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Question 10: Values and Culture

Are values such as human rights, democracy, respect for diversity and gender equality ones that Canada should continue to advocate in all parts of the world? If so, what are the best ways of doing this?

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Contributor:	AndrewB
Date:	2003-05-01 11:59:23
Answer:
Without a doubt Canada should continue to promote these values as ones we strive to practice within our own country and ones we hope to see constantly improving around the globe. These values in many ways represent what should be the true pillars of our foreign policy. I believe that with these basic principles or values as a foundation, issues such as globalization or conflict resolution will benefit from stronger, more focused policy. As mentioned by commenters already, the promotion of these values begins at home. The ever increasing influence of homogenized American pop culture threatens to overshadow the tremendous diversity of our nation. Continuous cuts to our arts and education in favo(u)r of increased spending on an unquantifiable hunt of an unquantifiable threat known as the "war on terrorism" only shows our committment to following American imperialistic culture. It is time for Canada to seriously prioritize our interests and concerns domestically so that we can have a stronger committment to the above mentioned values internationally.
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