The Two Faces of Foreign Policy
BY David Evans
Canada has often been widely praised for its commitment to extending the rule of international law. But looking at some of the major initiatives of the past 50 years presents a very mixed picture. What you find is that Canadian businesses, and transnational corporations in particular, have made a significant amount of coin from our government’s support for one idea publicly and a different one behind the scenes.
Situation: Vietnam War
What we said: Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson publicly called for a pause in bombing and a negotiated settlement to the Vietnam War.
What we did: The Canadian military participated in the conflict and also profited by supplying US forces with a range of lethal and non-lethal supplies, from boots and bombs to berets and Agent Orange.
Situation: South African Apartheid
What we said: Prime Minister Brian Mulroney called for “sustained pressure” against apartheid.
What we did: At the height of Canada’s efforts to encourage an international boycott against South Africa in 1988, our own trade with the country increased 67 percent.
Situation: Iraq War
What we said: “If military action proceeds without a new resolution of the Security Council, Canada will not participate,” Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said.
What we did: Canada helped plan the invasion and the military participated by land, air and sea. Canadian corporations profited from the US occupation by supplying bullets and providing other support.
Situation: China
What we said: The Paul Martin government has sought to increase discussions on China’s human-rights record, echoing Chrétien’s plea to the Chinese president on behalf of Chinese political prisoners, “Can’t you release even one?”
What we did: While acknowledging human-rights abuse in China, the government has helped increase trade to the extent that China is now our third-largest trading partner. The current aid given to China is approximately $54 million.
Situation: Sierra Leone
What we said: “Something has to be done. It’s a dirty, messy business,” Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy said.
What we did: Reports sponsored by NGOs, the government and the UN allege that Canadian corporations were involved in business dealings with those perpetuating the conflict that caused an estimated 50,000 deaths and countless more human rights abuses.
Situation: Congo
What we said: Paul Heinbecker, Canada’s ambassador to the UN, has condemned countries such as Rwanda for involvement in the illegal trade of resources from the war-torn Congo.
What we did: Canadian corporations have been accused of doing business with warring parties in the current civil war that has killed an estimated 4.7 million people.
Situation: Weaponization of space
What we said: “After careful consideration … we have decided that Canada will not participate in the US ballistic missile defense system,” Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew told the House of Commons.
What we did: Under NORAD obligations, Canada has already committed to create a common ballistic missile defense system with the US.
