Canadian-European Union relations: a European perspective from Ottawa
In just a few days’ time, on Dec. 19, Prime Minister Jean Chretien will welcome the President of France, Jacques Chirac — whose country currently holds the presidency of the European Union — and Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, to Ottawa for the EU-Canada Summit. On the eve of this important meeting, we […]
Lord Almost needs a good Canadian history lesson, eh?
The week ended with the international publication of the views of Lord Almost on the recent Canadian general election. The world according to Conrad Black, apres le deluge, appeared in The Wall Street Journal, then — mysteriously — next day in The Globe and Mail, and — not so mysteriously — also in the National […]
European Union meeting a “time to take stock” of Canada-European Union relationship
French ambassador Denis Bauchard decries that in Canada, ‘surprisingly little is known about Europe’ The European Union has and continues to help Canada define its place on the international scene. It was the late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, in the early 1970s, who in his desire to loosen Canada’s links with Britain and reduce dependence […]
History of the European Union, 374 million people, 15 countries
In 1992, the EEC became the European Union with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, based on three pillars The 15-member countries of the European Union vary in size, population, culture and system of government. Together, they form the European Union of 374 million inhabitants covering 323,618 km. The member countries of the European Union […]
It is time for enhanced parliamentary relations with Europe
Liberal MP Charles Caccia says it would be in Canada’s interest to reduce its dependence on NAFTA In many respects, Europe represents our past and our future. Historically, not only our common social and cultural roots, but our shared sacrifice in two World Wars, bind Canada to Europe. At the same time, the common experiences […]
World leaders must strike decent climate change agreement [Sixth Conference of Parties on Climate Change]
There’s simply no time for rest with the threat of climate change and the increasing evidence of man’s abuse Fourteen days of tremendous effort by more than 7,000 people — ministers, government officials and NGOs — in The Hague regrettably did not result in agreement on how the world community will pursue the 1997 Kyoto […]
European Union and Canada are increasing their exchanges
Our Collective ambition extends beyond economic and social prosperity, to build a strong relationship The European Union has reached a key stage in its development: institutional reform as well as enlargement and affirmation of its political role, especially through a European security and defence policy. Our collective ambition extends beyond economic and social prosperity, to […]
The most serious issue facing humankind: global warming [Sixth Conference of Parties on Climate Change]
Axworthy defends the position he took on behalf of Canada at the latest major conference on global warming While most Canadians were going about their normal business last week, perhaps tuning in to the final throes of election rhetoric, a small band of their fellow citizens was actively engaged in an intense, compelling and exhausting […]
What a difference seven years make, so much for open Liberals
“There is evidence today of considerable dissatisfaction with government and a steady erosion of confidence in the people and institutions of the public sector. This erosion of confidence seems to have many causes: some have to do with the behaviour of certain elected politicians, others with an arrogant style of political leadership.” What a difference […]
Learning about Europe is a must, part of exciting education
Higher education is an important and growing aspect of the relationship of Canada and the European Union. The Canada-EU Joint Action plan stressed the importance of educational links in cementing the transatlantic partnership. I will highlight three aspects of the relationship among the many that merit attention. First, the 1995 Canada-EU Agreement on Cooperation in […]
