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Question 3: The 1995 Policy Review and Since

Canada is a member of many international organizations, including the G8, NATO, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Arctic Council. Should our participation in any of these be strengthened, or adjusted?

 

 
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Contributor:1846
Date: 2003-04-30 21:37:03
Answer:
Canada must continue to participate in these multilateral fora, but must do so with commitment to the various actions, and not merely offer 'high-sounding, moralistic talk'. Whether participation involves appropriate aid, debt relief or military intervention, Canada must be prepared to 'put our money (etc) where our mouths are. Canada is now seen as an international cheapskate. Lots of talk, no action. Contributions are minimal and insufficient in cash, aid or military support. As a wealthy democracy, we mustbe seen to 'live' our values, and live up to our principles - or not bother simply demeaning the country in the eyes of the international community. We must not be taken in by our own propaganda about how well we are seen and accepted. The polite and politically acceptable and dilomatic opinions are not what are really stated - and heard by those on the ground.
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