Canada: Approved Destination or Unfulfilled Destiny?
One of the most important functions of the federal government concerns its responsibility to
conduct sound and effective foreign relations.
This duty has many aspects.
Chief among them are to craft a positive role for Canada on the world stage and to improve
the economic and political opportunities for our nation and its citizens.
Canada's recent difficulty securing Approved Destination Status with China is yet more evidence
of the Harper Conservatives' lack of skill in this vital area.
But it is not surprising.
Readers will recall that Mr. Harper refused to travel or send any senior political figures to
meet with Chinese leaders for an unacceptable length of time after being elected.
This diplomatic faux pas was followed by Mr. Harper's unsophisticated approach when he addressed
the issue of human rights in China. His administration's blunt method and undiplomatic language
clearly offended the Chinese government.
Indelicate comments have also been made in Canada's handling of the case of Canadian national
Huseyincan Celil.
And actions like Mr. Harper's refusal to deport fugitives accused of major crimes to face
charges in China have also soured relations.
Indeed, from Canada's recent embarrassment on the world stage at the climate talks in Bali
(where our government stood virtually alone, with the U.S., to oppose strong action on the
environment) to Mr. Harper's consistent parroting of the foreign policy of George Bush,
Canada's international reputation has probably never been lower.
This follows years of declining skill in the foreign relations arena practiced by the
federal Liberals.
At one time quite polished, the Chretien and Martin administrations also came to pay less
and less attention to Canada's proud tradition of standing up for human rights, principled
diplomacy and carving a foreign policy independent of the Americans.
In terms of China, however, the Harper government has really botched things, and difficulties
like the one we are having securing Approved Destination Status are the result.
Surely, one cannot be surprised when another nation retaliates after being repeatedly
criticized and insulted.
China represents one of the most important ascending powers in the world today. In terms of
trade relations, international monetary influence, cultural opportunities and importance to
Canadian citizens, many of whom are of Chinese descent, China is a nation with whom we must
develop effective and productive relations.
This does not mean that Canada is not able to raise issues of human rights and adherence
to international law with China, or anyone else for that matter.
Indeed, the federal New Democrats have long advocated an international role for Canada that
is based on the promotion of these very ideals.
However, while it is clearly important to raise these principles, any nation must be careful
to do so in a manner that is fair and measured. After all, Canada, like all nations, has our
own share of issues for which we can rightfully be criticized.
The federal New Democrats believe the Canadian government should reflect what the vast
majority of our citizens want on the world stage: a nation that offers a model of diplomacy,
democracy and adherence to the best norms of international behaviour.
That is why the federal NDP is the only party that consistently opposes an aggressive,
militarized foreign policy.
That is why we are the only party that calls on Canada to honour our own stated commitments in
foreign aid.
And that is why we think it is important that Canada meets its signed international treaty
obligations, like those involving reducing child poverty, enforcing international labour standards
and honouring environmental protection.
By acting consistently with these principles, respecting other nations' sovereignty and
speaking firmly but fairly, we think that Canada will indeed be a destination for which China,
and indeed all other nations, will favourably approve.
In our view, such an approach will benefit our nation, our citizens and our future.
