diplomacy

Saturday September 23, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 23, 2023

Canada’s Warm Reception of Zelenskyy Contrasts Washington’s Chill

October 12, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s impassioned plea for support in the war of aggression by Vladimir Putin’s Russia has resonated powerfully on the international stage. As he embarked on a critical diplomatic mission to rally Western allies, the contrasting receptions he received in Ottawa and Washington, D.C., painted a vivid picture of the global response to Ukraine’s plight.

In Ottawa, Zelenskyy’s address to the Canadian Parliament was nothing short of historic. The Ukrainian President delivered a speech that moved hearts and minds, garnering at least a dozen standing ovations from Parliament members. He called upon Canada and other Western nations to stand firmly by Ukraine’s side in the long and arduous journey toward victory.

News: Key moments from Zelenskyy’s speech to Parliament  

April 12, 2022

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seized the moment to announce an additional $650 million in military aid for Ukraine, underlining Canada’s commitment to defending democratic values. Trudeau declared, “History will judge us on how we defend democratic values, and Ukraine is at the tip of the spear in this great challenge of the 21st century.” Canada’s warm embrace of Zelenskyy and its substantial financial support sent a clear message: Ukraine’s fight for freedom is a fight worth backing.

Governor General Mary Simon’s advice to Zelenskyy, imparting the Inuktitut word “ajuinnata” – meaning “don’t give up, stay strong against all odds” – resonated deeply. It underscored the shared understanding that Ukraine’s struggle transcends borders and speaks to the universal human desire for justice and peace.

‘Ajuinnata Ukraine’: Gov. Gen. Mary Simon inspires Zelenskyy with Inuktitut word  

March 1, 2022

Contrast this with Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, where the reception was markedly cooler. There was no grand fanfare to welcome him at the Pentagon, and some political figures hesitated to extend their greetings on camera. Despite the apparent chill, Zelenskyy did secure generally favorable reviews from U.S. lawmakers, who acknowledged the importance of further assistance to Ukraine’s war effort.

The differences in reception between Ottawa and Washington can be attributed to various factors. First, Canada has consistently shown unwavering support for Ukraine, reflecting the strong ties between the two nations. Second, while political divisions exist in both countries, Canada’s unity on the Ukraine issue is more apparent and steadfast. Finally, the timing and priorities in Washington play a significant role, with the looming presidential election and domestic policy issues diverting attention from international affairs.

News: What US lawmakers have said about Ukraine aid as Zelenskyy urges more  

June 6, 2023

Zelenskyy’s mission remains clear: to rally support and provide assurance that Ukraine has a well-defined strategy for victory. The commitment of Western nations, including Canada, to negotiating long-term security arrangements with Ukraine is pivotal. Sustained, predictable funding is essential for Ukraine’s continued resilience against Russian aggression.

In this critical moment, Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine shines brightly, offering hope and inspiration. While the international landscape may present challenges, Zelenskyy’s resolute plea for support echoes Governor General Mary Simon’s wisdom: “Don’t give up, stay strong against all odds.” In the face of adversity, Canada stands as a beacon of support for Ukraine’s quest for justice, freedom, and peace. (AI)

 

Wednesday May 10, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 9, 2023

The Beaver and the Panda: A Forest Showdown

Once upon a time, in a peaceful forest, there lived a meek and hardworking beaver named Canada. He always tried to avoid conflict and maintain good relations with his neighbours. One day, a fearsome panda named China came to the forest and demanded respect from all the animals.

At first, the beaver tried to appease the panda by being friendly and accommodating. However, the panda became increasingly aggressive and began to interfere in the beaver’s affairs. The beaver suspected that the panda was trying to intimidate him and his family.

News: Trudeau says expulsion of Chinese diplomat shows Canada ‘will not be intimidated’  

March 26, 2013

One day, the beaver had enough of the panda’s interference and decided to take action. He expelled a Chinese delegate who was causing trouble in the forest. In retaliation, the panda expelled a Canadian diplomat.

But the beaver was not intimidated by the panda’s aggressive behavior. He stood firm and declared that he would not accept foreign interference in his forest. The panda was stymied by the beaver’s sudden aggressiveness and promised further unspecified retaliatory measures.

Researcher: China working to get Canadians ‘at each other’s throats’ 

Despite the panda’s threats, the beaver remained resolute and determined to protect his forest from foreign interference. He warned the panda and other countries engaging in such behaviour that he takes it extraordinarily seriously.

February 25, 2023

In the end, the beaver’s courage and determination paid off. He showed the panda that he was not to be trifled with and that he would do whatever it takes to safeguard his forest from foreign threats. The panda learned a valuable lesson and realized that he could not bully the beaver into submission.

And they lived happily ever after. (AI)

 

Friday February 17, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 17, 2023

Trudeau to deploy navy vessels to Haiti for intelligence gathering

March 16, 2018

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a slate of new supports for Haiti in the Bahamas on Thursday including humanitarian aid and some naval vessels to help with surveillance.

But he stopped short of proposing the kind of military force its de facto prime minister is asking for, as experts urge him to put the brakes on growing discussions of foreign intervention.

Trudeau told a meeting of 20 Caribbean Community leaders that Canada will provide $12.3 million in new humanitarian assistance for the crisis-torn country and $10 million for the International Office on Migration to support migrants in the region.

“Our fundamental objective is to ease the suffering and empower Haitians to chart their own future,” he said.

January 11, 2023

“We need to continue to work and put the Haitian people at the centre of everything we do.”

Trudeau also promised to send Royal Canadian Navy vessels “in the coming weeks” to gather intelligence and maintain a presence off the Haitian coast, following surveillance flyovers earlier this year and an existing plan to send more armoured vehicles.

Ottawa will redeploy HMCS Glace Bay and Moncton from West Africa, said a senior government official who spoke on background pending an official release from the Defence Department. The official would not say whether Canadian military members would simply observe or be empowered to intervene.

And Canada is sanctioning two more Haitians, ex-interim president Jocelerme Privert and former political aide Salim Succar, adding to a list of 15 elites already barred from economic dealings in Canada because of alleged ties to the gangs that have taken over Haiti. Trudeau said he is pushing allies to step up and do the same.

February 23, 2017

Trudeau said he had a “constructive” conversation with de facto Haitian leader Ariel Henry this morning, who is acting as the country’s prime minister but was not elected to the role. National security adviser Jody Thomas was in the room and taking notes, as were Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the UN, and Sebastien Carriere, its ambassador to Haiti.

Henry took power after the 2021 assassination of former president Jovenel Moise.

During brief remarks open to media, he insisted to Trudeau, speaking in French, that he urgently wants the country to work toward transparent elections despite the deteriorating security situation.

Gang activity has ground Haiti’s economy to a halt and hastened a resurgence of cholera. A United Nations report last week detailed “indiscriminate shootings, executions and rapes.” Police have failed to contain the widespread violence.

Henry wants an external security force to quell the chaos, and the United States and United Nations have signalled their support for one, with Washington suggesting Canada could play a leading role. (CTV) 

 

Tuesday January 10, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday January 10, 2023

Three Amigos Summit 2023

February 23, 2017

Mexico draws millions of international tourists each year with its sandy beaches, mountains, rainforests and rich culture.

But travelling anywhere can come with safety risks, as Canadians in the Mexican state of Sinaloa experienced last week following the Jan. 5 arrest of alleged drug trafficker Ovidio Guzman. Guzman is a son of former cartel boss Joaquin Guzman, also known as El Chapo. His capture resulted in explosions of violence in cities across the state, led by members of the Sinaloa cartel.

As a result of the violence in Sinaloa, the Canadian government has issued an advisory warning travellers to avoid non-essential travel to several states in northern, western and central Mexico and to exercise a “high degree of caution” in other parts of the country. (CTV News) 

November 18, 2021

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hoping to champion North America free trade while settling trade irritants at the “Three Amigos” summit in Mexico City, but his priorities might be drowned out by more pressing border issues between the United States and Mexico.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hoping to champion North America free trade while settling trade irritants at the “Three Amigos” summit in Mexico City, but his priorities might be drowned out by more pressing border issues between the United States and Mexico.

“I think as it’s currently framed, the North American Summit is a lot about Mexico,” said Maryscott Greenwood, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council, who noted that Biden preceded his visit to Mexico by inspecting a busy port of entry for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

In that context, Trudeau’s main challenge as he steps foot in Mexico City will be “to be relevant and to be heard,” added Greenwood.

March 23, 2005

“For Canada to be really heard and noticed, it has to have one priority and it has to be really aggressive about it. And I realize that’s sort of un-Canadian,” she said. “But that’s the way it goes with trying to capture the attention and the imagination of the United States, which has a lot going on.”

Speaking from Mexico City, Louise Blais, a former diplomat and now senior special adviser to the Business Council of Canada, said that while the border issues will be “distracting,” she thinks the Canadian delegation will manage to carve out time for the files it feels are important.

“So that’s a challenge, but that’s not to say that it won’t happen,” said Blais.

Trudeau arrived in Mexico City on Monday for a three-day visit, which will include bilateral meetings Tuesday with Biden and Lopez Obrador as well as meetings with business leaders. (The National Post) 

 

Tuesday November 29, 2022

Trudeau government unveils long-awaited plan to confront an ‘increasingly disruptive’ China

Canada’s long-awaited Indo-Pacific strategy describes China as “an increasingly disruptive global power” on the world stage — a social and economic force that’s too big to ignore but is also increasingly focused on bending international rules to suit its own interests.

November 16, 2022

Using some surprisingly blunt language, the strategy says the Canadian government needs to be “clear-eyed” about China’s objectives in the Far East and elsewhere. It promises to spend almost half a billion dollars over five years on improving military and intelligence co-operation with allies in the region.

“China’s rise, enabled by the same international rules and norms that it now increasingly disregards, has had an enormous impact on the Indo-Pacific, and it has ambitions to become the leading power in the region,” says the 26-page document, which was provided to the media in advance of its formal release in Vancouver on Sunday.