Canada needs to take a real hard look at its foreign policy, and reset it

From rejoining the Paris Climate Accord to rapprochement with Iran and China, the Biden administration appears to be actively resetting the U.S. government’s foreign policy agenda around the globe. The strategy, in large part, is aimed to undo the deleterious effects of Donald Trump’s unfettered foreign policy adventurism. This is especially evident in Biden’s approach towards Latin America and the Caribbean. On Feb. 4, for instance, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden introduced the U.S.-Cuba Trade Act 2021, which reverses Donald Trump’s hardline posture against Cuba and seeks to re-establish normal trade and political relations with Cuba. In introducing the bill, Wyden noted, “To continue this outdated, harmful policy of isolation would be a failure of American leadership.” Likewise, in Bolivia, it is expected that the Biden administration will follow the policy path taken during the Obama years and not support unconstitutional seizures of power such as the 2019 coup d’état against the Evo Morales government. Indeed, shortly after the U.S. election on Nov. 3, 2020, the Latin American country’s newly elected Socialist President Luis Arce breathing a sigh of relief noted on Twitter, “With the new administration, we predict better relations that will lead to the well-being of our peoples.” While the U.S. is busy recalibrating its relationships around the world, Canada has remained extraordinarily silent, quietly continuing the status quo. And, insofar as Latin America is concerned, the status quo is the same clunky and awkward position Canada has followed throughout the Trump years. On Cuba, Canadian presence is almost non-existent, which is a stark departure from the time when prime minister Stephen Harper deftly brokered the meetings and reconciliation efforts between Barack Obama and Raul Castro. Canada’s comportment under Justin Trudeau, however, has been somewhat sycophantic, often mimicking the Trump team’s messaging. Within the region, this has resulted in Canada being widely viewed as a frontman for Donald Trump. From a strategic perspective, Canada’s position is understandable. Trudeau had to protect Canadian interests, such as the new NAFTA deal, from an ever erratic and unpredictable Donald Trump. But this approach has come at a price. Many observers have argued that Canada’s role in the Lima Group and its obstinate approach to Venezuela were among the primary reasons behind Canada’s losing bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. They contend that Canada lost the critical support of many members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as well as several South American countries, precisely because of its unwieldy attitude towards Venezuela. Presently, however, the combination of Trump’s departure and Biden’s new course for U.S. foreign policy, offers Canada the opportunity to return to its traditional role in Latin America and the Caribbean; and, Venezuela is as good a place as any to start. Here’s what the Trudeau government could do. The first step would be for Canada to disassociate itself from its incoherent and unsustainable position of supporting Juan Guido, the self-declared president of Venezuela. Guido has lost whatever political caché he may have had. This became especially obvious in the aftermath of Venezuela’s parliamentary elections of December 2020. Considering this, Canada should start opening informal channels of contact with the government representatives of Caracas with a view to establishing more formal diplomatic relationships in the longer term. Direct talks would allow Canada to not only wield stronger influence in Venezuelan political direction, it also has the prospect to reposition Canada in its more comfortable role as a rational third-party in the region. Tactically it may even help lever against China’s growing economic and political impact across the Caribbean and Latin America. Secondly, Canada needs to lower its volume within the Lima Group. The Trudeau government’s refusal to sign the joint statement of the Lima Group that commits its member countries to oppose military intervention in Venezuela is at the very least, not very Canadian. The humiliation of the failure of Operation Gideon, which saw U.S. mercenaries invading Venezuela on May 5, 2020, should be enough for Canada to distant itself from the Trumpian rhetoric and develop an independent made-in-Canada policy both for Venezuela and the region writ large: from Cuba, to Guyana, Bolivia, Honduras, and Ecuador. Lastly, if Canada is to regain its historical reputation as a broker of peace, the rule of law, and good governance, it needs to be consistent in its foreign policy. In Myanmar, Canada was rightfully quick to denounce the military coup d’état, yet the Trudeau Liberals cheered on when a similar coup occurred in Bolivia. This sends wrong and confusing messages to both friends and foes, and it undermines Canada’s respect and standing in the world. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should task Bob Rae, the Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, with resolving Canada’s apparent foreign policy contradictions as a top priority. If it is done correctly, Canada may yet win the prized UN Security Council seat. Latin America and the Caribbean are important partners and an important trading area for Canada. From Mexico to Peru, and Guyana and the Grenadines, it is estimated that the region holds a prospective $3-trillion in international trade potential, including the continuity of critical supply chains. A return to diplomatic normalcy would open a slew of economic opportunities for Canadians. If Canada is to benefit, it needs to take a real hard second look at its foreign policy, and then reset its posture in the region. Biden is already doing it. Bhagwant Sandhu is a recently retired director general with the federal government. He has a keen interest in Canadian politics and is currently writing a book about political management. The Hill Times

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Canada needs to take a real hard look at its foreign policy, and reset it

While the U.S. is busy recalibrating its relationships around the world, Canada has remained extraordinarily silent, quietly continuing the status quo.

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