Dialogue Paper >> FAQ

How can I participate in the foreign policy dialogue?

You are invited to read the Minister's "A Dialogue on Foreign Policy" paper. You are also invited to comment on the paper or the questions, and to take part in an electronic discussion. We will be pleased to accept your comments and discussion group participation beginning January 22, 2003 and ending on May 1, 2003.

What will be the result of the dialogue?

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham reported to Canadians about this dialogue in June 2003. Read the report here.

What steps do I take to participate?

You do not have to register on the Web site to view content or to answer the Minister's questions. However in order to participate in the discussion forum, you must register and log in. All messages to this Web site must meet the Civil Rules (the code of acceptable conduct) and will be moderated. When you submit a response, you can request that your answer remain private, or you can allow it to be posted on the Web site. When you answer a question, your answer will become part of the dialogue database. If you change your mind or would like to register a revised opinion, you have a second chance to do so. Your revised opinion will then become part of the final database.

Who are the moderators?

Our moderators are members of the general public. They are not government employees or civil servants, and they do not speak for the Minister or the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Their role is to facilitate this Dialogue on Foreign Policy, and to ensure that this Web site space is a civil public place where citizens with diverse opinions and communication skills feel welcome to engage in these important deliberations within the reasonable limits of expression of a free and democratic society (as captured in the Civil Rules).

How can I stay in touch with the discussion?

A bulletin of summary highlights will appear weekly. You do not need to register in order to subscribe to the bulletin. If you wish to comment on a summary, you may send a letter to the editors.

Who else is behind the scenes?

The moderators, writers, analysts, researchers, technical and other people who are working behind the scenes to make this Web site possible are stewards of democratic public dialogue on-line. They work under the direction of the byDesign eLab. They are working in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Foreign Policy Development (the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade). They will do their best to facilitate and summarize this discussion in an unbiased and helpful manner.

Where do I turn if I need help participating?

If you have problems participating fully in this dialogue, please contact: admin@foreign-policy-dialogue.ca