Canada can’t rely on the US for protection, says foreign affairs minister
Posted June 6, 2017 8:55 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – Canada’s foreign affairs minister stood in the House of Commons this morning to outline the country’s priorities when it comes to foreign policy. And a big boost to defense spending was at the top of the list.
The 35-minute speech touched on a wide variety of issues, but our relationship with the US was a main focus.
Without mentioning President Donald Trump by name, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland says we can’t lean on our southern neighbours anymore on areas such as military protection. “To rely soley on the US security umbrella would make us a client state.”
She adds the government will invest billions of dollars to create a hard power military to back-up our global diplomatic efforts. “To put it plainly: Canadian diplomacy and development sometimes require the backing of hard power,” Freeland read from her prepared speech. “Principled use of force, together with our allies and governed by international law, is part of our history and must be part of our future.”
Freeland says Canada doesn’t need an inward looking “Canada First” foreign policy, but given that the US is now questioning the worth of its global leadership, it is more important than ever for Canada to plot its own course in the world.
Her speech is the Liberal government’s attempt to define its military, developmental, diplomatic and trade priorities in a turbulent world that has seen the election of Trump and the rise of anti-trade sentiment.
Freeland’s emphasis on hard military power is a tougher expression of the country’s international interests than Canadians are used to hearing.
She said, notwithstanding, the “incredibly good relationship” with the US, Canada cannot just rely on American military protection.
The federal government is also pointing out the US is pulling back from its global leadership and Canada needs to fill the gap on matters like human rights, gender equality, fighting climate change and international trade.
