Trudeau’s grand African adventure the Fyre Festival of Security Council campaigns
OTTAWA—Canada is the student who doesn’t want to do any of the readings or assignments but thinks it deserves an “A” at the University of the United Nations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Africa last week to campaign for a two-year, rotating seat on the UN Security Council. The last time Canada tried to achieve […]
How Canada can eliminate lethal barriers to development
This International Development Week, Global Affairs Canada is asking Canadians to think about the UN’s sustainable development goals, and to take action to #GoForTheGoals, but it appears that one crucial prerequisite for sustainable development is being overlooked again. In 59 states, and other areas around the world, landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of […]
A new Canadian peace centre could make a world of difference
Who isn’t concerned about our shared global challenges? It’s hard to miss overlapping crises, many fuelled by militarism, marginalization, and inequality. Canada provided pivotal leadership and ideas in the past and it could definitely help again. The recently announced Canadian Centre for Peace, Order, and Good Government therefore is a much-needed step in the right […]
From ‘failed state’ to stability: Rwanda has made ‘impressive’ strides, says envoy
A former Rwandan presidential candidate, who once served as a cabinet minister and a Senate vice-president, is starting his diplomatic career in Canada. High Commissioner Prosper Higiro’s path to politics was “very difficult,” and during a Nov. 28 interview, he explained that journey first began with his family’s decision to stay in Rwanda in the […]
In bid for Security Council seat, Canada may have its hopes dashed
Back in 2010, Stephen Harper’s Conservative government was defeated in its campaign for a seat at the UN Security Council. When assessing his government’s weak record on foreign aid spending and peacekeeping contributions, as well as its blind and unreserved support for Israel, it was evident that countless policies helped sink its electoral fortunes. In […]
What’s the future for Canadian international development policy?
While not a headline grabber during this election campaign, current Canadian international development policy and its future direction are critically to the future well-being of this country. International development is clearly linked to how we see our role in uplifting and supporting less developed nations and those emerging from war and conflict. While a dollar […]
The neglected humanitarian impact of the Venezuela crisis
Far too often, in my view, politics overshadows people. Here in Canada, the humanitarian emergency in Venezuela has drifted in and out of the headlines. News stories have explained to us the consequences of the economic turmoil triggered by a spiralling inflation. Politicians have taken a stand on who is, according to their partisan preferences, […]
What’s your issue? Taxes, climate change, health care top leaders’ campaign pitches this election
With less than a week to go until Oct. 21, there’s been plenty of lamenting over the issues that aren’t being talked about this campaign. So, what have the leaders spent their time spotlighting? And what issues have media definitively brought to the fore? The Hill Times took a look at the issues raised by or with […]
The misconception of Canada’s foreign aid generosity
Earlier this year, Statistics Canada reported that in 2017 there were 278,000 fewer children living below the poverty line, compared to 2015 when the Liberals took office. Through policy measures, including the introduction of the Canada Child Benefit, the Liberal government has done some admirable work in reducing poverty in this country. For this, credit […]
In the push for women’s empowerment, rural women can’t be left behind
Globally, the momentum for gender equality and justice is growing. Nowhere was this more evident than at the Women Deliver conference, where more than 8,000 leaders, advocates, and experts from around the world gathered in Vancouver from June 3 to 6 to fight for women’s empowerment. Canada is building on and advancing this greater global […]
