UN Security Council election win could boost Trudeau’s international capital, says former diplomat
With the UN Security Council election set to take place in a week, Canada’s success or failure in the vote could have a lasting effect on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s foreign policy legacy in what may be a “barometer” on Canada’s place in the world. If Canada is to fall short of the necessary 129 […]
On guard for thee: global citizenship and Canada-U.S. relations
To suggest the United States would station troops along the longest undefended border in the world slashed a psychological wound between Canada and the United States. COVID-19 shut the Canada-U.S. border down, but it was the speed with which leaders of historically friendly countries agreed to go their separate ways that left indelible scars. Under […]
Read all about it: Digital Government Minister Murray’s team so far
Digital Government Minister Joyce Murray is busy leading efforts to replace the government’s Phoenix pay system and cut down the pay backlog, among other things, with Ashley Wright in place leading her policy team. Along with serving as director of policy to Ms. Murray, Ms. Wright is also currently acting as chief of staff to […]
Trudeau’s grand African adventure the Fyre Festival of Security Council campaigns
OTTAWA—Canada is the student who doesn’t want to do any of the readings or assignments but thinks it deserves an “A” at the University of the United Nations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Africa last week to campaign for a two-year, rotating seat on the UN Security Council. The last time Canada tried to achieve […]
How Canada can eliminate lethal barriers to development
This International Development Week, Global Affairs Canada is asking Canadians to think about the UN’s sustainable development goals, and to take action to #GoForTheGoals, but it appears that one crucial prerequisite for sustainable development is being overlooked again. In 59 states, and other areas around the world, landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of […]
A new Canadian peace centre could make a world of difference
Who isn’t concerned about our shared global challenges? It’s hard to miss overlapping crises, many fuelled by militarism, marginalization, and inequality. Canada provided pivotal leadership and ideas in the past and it could definitely help again. The recently announced Canadian Centre for Peace, Order, and Good Government therefore is a much-needed step in the right […]
From ‘failed state’ to stability: Rwanda has made ‘impressive’ strides, says envoy
A former Rwandan presidential candidate, who once served as a cabinet minister and a Senate vice-president, is starting his diplomatic career in Canada. High Commissioner Prosper Higiro’s path to politics was “very difficult,” and during a Nov. 28 interview, he explained that journey first began with his family’s decision to stay in Rwanda in the […]
In bid for Security Council seat, Canada may have its hopes dashed
Back in 2010, Stephen Harper’s Conservative government was defeated in its campaign for a seat at the UN Security Council. When assessing his government’s weak record on foreign aid spending and peacekeeping contributions, as well as its blind and unreserved support for Israel, it was evident that countless policies helped sink its electoral fortunes. In […]
What’s the future for Canadian international development policy?
While not a headline grabber during this election campaign, current Canadian international development policy and its future direction are critically to the future well-being of this country. International development is clearly linked to how we see our role in uplifting and supporting less developed nations and those emerging from war and conflict. While a dollar […]
The neglected humanitarian impact of the Venezuela crisis
Far too often, in my view, politics overshadows people. Here in Canada, the humanitarian emergency in Venezuela has drifted in and out of the headlines. News stories have explained to us the consequences of the economic turmoil triggered by a spiralling inflation. Politicians have taken a stand on who is, according to their partisan preferences, […]
