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Question 3: The 1995 Policy Review and Since

Canada is a member of many international organizations, including the G8, NATO, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Arctic Council. Should our participation in any of these be strengthened, or adjusted?

 

 
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Contributor:1897
Date: 2003-05-01 15:02:00
Answer:
Canada should review its membership and participation in NATO. Conditions have shifted dramatically since NATO's inception and there is no longer a threat of attack from the Soviet Union. Further, our membership in NATO leads to an acceptance of nuclear weapons as "essential". This contradicts Canada's position under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. If a choice is to be made, Canada should withdraw from NATO rather than participate in the proliferation of nuclear weapons. As for the other international organizations, Canada should continue its membership in those which deal with social, economic and humanitarian goals. Our focus should continue to be centred on leadership which maintains a balance between the interests of developing nations, multinational corporate agendas and superpowers.
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