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Dialogue ends May 1

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham invited all Canadians to participate

GRAHAM LAUNCHES FOREIGN POLICY DIALOGUE

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today invited all Canadians to participate in a national dialogue on future priorities and directions in Canadian foreign policy. As the basis for discussions, the Minister released a paper entitled, A Dialogue on Foreign Policy, which offers an overview of current issues and challenges and poses a series of questions to which Canadians are invited to respond.

"There have been significant changes in the world since the 1994-95 review of our foreign policy," said Minister Graham, "and these changes pose important questions for Canadians. Since we cannot be everywhere and do all things internationally, we must be prepared to make choices about how our foreign policy efforts and resources can best promote Canadian values and interests. I encourage all Canadians to help us in the vital task of reflecting on priorities for the future."

This initiative is being launched as part of the government's commitment in the 2002 Speech from the Throne to engage Canadians in discussion about Canada's place in the world, in order to set long-term foreign policy directions. The Dialogue on Foreign Policy consultations will be carried out through public meetings and input from citizens, parliamentarians and experts, as well as through an Internet discussion forum. In June 2003, the Minister will report to Canadians on the responses received.

Individuals with access to the Internet can read the discussion paper and submit their views, as well as participate in on-line discussions, by visiting http://www.foreign-policy-dialogue.ca. Copies of the discussion paper can be ordered by calling toll-free 1 800 267-8376, or by writing to A Dialogue on Foreign Policy, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2. Written comments may also be sent to this address. All responses are requested by May 1, 2003.

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