Making a Canadian Dent in the Universe

While reversing major elements of the Harper Conservatives’ approach, advocacy and agenda might satisfy most Canadians, the new Liberal government has an opportunity to achieve far more, and no where more so than in international affairs.

However to have a major impact, it needs to focus on what really matters in a way that makes a difference. It is far too easy to get bogged down in numerous files and details that appear important at the time, and end up with little to show for it.

Given that trade, environmental, immigration, military and other files are headed by competent ministers, Global Affairs Canada ought to identify and priorize at least three key diplomatic areas where Canada has a vested interest, expertise and a reasonable chance of success, and then work on them simultaneously in order to have a chance at a breakthrough in at least one of them.

Each will take imagination, boldness, empathy, alliance building, strategizing, persuasion, tactical flexibility, perseverance and finesse. Here are three such areas:

The Artic

Instead of pseudo gunboat diplomacy, dropping off flags, liquor and plaques, we ought to exemplify peaceful resolution of conflicts with our friend and alley, Denmark, regarding our territorial dispute over Hans Island, and with the United States concerning the North-West Passage and other territorial waters.

We should pursue direct negotiations, with or without mediation, or agree to submit the cases to the International Court of Justice or other settlement mechanisms, with the aim of resolving our lingering differences before attempting to solve multiple conflicting claims over the wider Artic.

Ukraine

Canada has nearly 150 years of experience as a plurinational, multicultural country, and some 50 years dealing with secessionist movements. Throughout this period, the country has used a combination of measures to bring a diverse citizenry to prefer to live together, such as a federated division of powers, official bilingualism and multiculturalism, improvements in living standards, universal social programs, equalization payments, immigration reform, language legislation, charter rights and more.

With a population composed primarily of ethnic Ukrainians (78%) in its central and western regions and ethnic Russians (17%) in the east and south, Ukraine is currently a unitary state with one official language and a disgruntled Russian minority that is convinced it is discriminated against. Are there any lessons learned from our experience that could be adapted to their context?

Israel-Palestine

The likely contours of a comprehensive settlement have been known for decades, no matter the official bluster and posturing prior to negotiations. What have usually been lacking are an acceptable offer, sufficient security and implementation guarantees, and a willingness to complete a final deal.

Enter the carrot: a fair and lasting peace agreement, billion-dollar promises in compensation, aid and investment, Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements with the EU and other trade pacts, NATO membership for Israel if desired, UN-recognized security forces within Palestine for their and Israel’s protection for a time, and mutual and international recognition of the two states including by the Arab League.

And the stick: a deadline to complete their negotiations after which time, if unsuccessful, the parties would have to accept binding arbitration by a mutually agreed upon body. Protracted disputes that have severe repercussions far beyond the direct parties involved cannot be allowed to go on forever, let alone worsen.

Others may have a different set of priorities and possibilities such as remodelling the UN Security Council, based on our experience at crafting the G20, or mobilizing sufficient aid for Syrian refugees in neighbouring states that have had little help or hope, and are forced to seek refugee elsewhere at great peril.

We do need to start the discussion and planning early so as not to squander this opportunity at making a Canadian dent in the universe, not unlike Lester B. Pearson’s proposed UN Peacekeeping Force that earned him a Nobel Peace Prize, and that should satisfy Canadians even more.

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Robert M. David teaches at the School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, and was a federal Liberal candidate in 2009 and 2011. The opinions expressed in this article are entirely his own.