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Question 2: The 1995 Policy Review and Since

Amid recent global changes, should Canada continue to endorse a balanced ‘three pillar’ approach to its foreign policy objectives, or should the current balance be adjusted?

 

 

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Contributor:1900
Date: 2003-05-01 15:12:46
Answer:
Yes, with qualifications.

The pillars should support and re-inforce each other.

Protection of our security and promotion of prosperity should not conflict with promotion of the values and culture that Canadians cherish.

This will have implications for what means we take to protect our security. Within our values, and within our global context, our security concerns will not need to be satisfied primarily by military preparedness or contributions to international military combat missions.

It will also have implications for trade policy and stances taken in international negotiations. We will need, for example, to consider carefully the claims of developing countries to the need to protect their natural resources and culture even if, in the short term, this may have negative consequences for particular Canadian companies and investors. Such concern will benefit us when we need to claim similar protection for our resources and cultural enterprises.
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