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Question 13: ConclusionPlease respond to the paper as a whole. |
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| Contributor: | 1876 |
| Date: |
2003-05-01 12:50:05 |
| Answer: |
Developing priorities for Canada's foreign policy is a monumental task, as every one of DFAIT's activities is important. Respect, compassion and well-being must be integrated into each of the three pillars - security, prosperity and values.
This means security measures that are actually directed at those who do or would commit acts of violence. This cannot rely on racial profiling or the targeting of certain countries for reprisals. It means abandoning security double-standards such as some countries can hold weapons of mass destruction, some countries can invade others, some countries can commit human rights abuses. It also means investing in long-term global security - well-being, prosperity and conflict resolution.
It means ensuring that trade and intellectual property agreements work for all Canadians and all the world's peoples, not primarily those who own capital. It means including the views of social justice NGOs in the development of fair trade policies. It means supporting enforceable labour, health and environmental standards in international agreements.
It means not assuming that Canada has all the answers in terms of values. We are also in an ongoing process of social and economic development. The values we claim to have, such as compassion and respect for human rights, must be properly integrated into all of our own foreign and domestic policies, and not just pursued as a separate endeavour directed at others. We should lead by example, as well as creating and supporting international human rights initiatives. We should ensure that each one of our foreign and trade policies reflect our own values.
I am grateful for this opportunity to express my views. I hope that the material gathered during the course of these consultations will indeed shape Canada's foreign policy. |
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