150 Years of Canadian Foreign Policy

Summary

The script chronicles Canada's evolution from a British colony to a prominent global player. It highlights key moments like Canada's confederation in 1867, its significant contributions in World Wars, and the rise of its international influence in the mid-20th century. Canada played a pivotal role in peacekeeping, especially during the Suez Crisis, and maintained strong ties with the US and NATO. The narrative also touches on Canada's foreign policy shifts under various prime ministers, from post-WWII to recent years, emphasizing its enduring commitment to multilateralism and global engagement.

Takeaways

• 🇨🇦 In 1867, Queen Victoria proclaimed the Confederation of the Dominion of Canada, uniting three British colonies into a self-governing entity.
• ⚔️ Canada’s early focus was survival, balancing sovereignty from Britain while deterring American expansionism.
• 🌍 In 1914, Canada was automatically at war when Britain declared war against Germany, but decided its level of involvement.
• 🏅 Canada’s significant contribution in World War I fostered national pride and increased its influence in international affairs.
• 📜 The 1931 Statute of Westminster granted Canada full legislative independence, allowing it to declare war independently in 1939.
• 🚢 Canada emerged from World War II with one of the world’s largest navies and substantial global influence, marking a 'Golden Age'.
• 🕊️ Lester Pearson’s peacekeeping efforts during the 1956 Suez Conflict earned him a Nobel Peace Prize and solidified Canada’s role in global peacekeeping.
• 🔄 Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s foreign policy shift in 1971 marked a turn towards focusing on domestic issues, though he later pursued global peace initiatives.
• 🏴 Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien achieved significant foreign policy successes, including ending white rule in South Africa and banning anti-personnel mines.
• 💥 The 2001 terrorist attacks led to Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan, reinforcing ties with the US and NATO, and later combat against the Islamic State.
• 🇮🇱 Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada’s foreign policy saw strong support for Israel and a focus on free trade, with continued involvement in Afghanistan.
• 🌐 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau aimed to restore Canada's international reputation through multilateralism and peacekeeping, though with limited new initiatives.

Q & A

What event marked the beginning of the Dominion of Canada?

The confederation of the Dominion of Canada was marked by Queen Victoria giving royal assent and proclaiming it in 1867, uniting three British colonies: Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

What was Canada's primary concern with the outside world in its early years?

Canada's primary concern was survival, maintaining a delicate balance with Britain to ensure enough sovereignty while keeping strong ties to prevent American expansionism.

How did Canada's status within the British Empire affect its involvement in World War I?

As a dominion of the British Empire, Canada had little say over its own foreign policy and was automatically at war when Britain declared war against Germany in 1914.

What significant outcome did Canada achieve from its contribution to World War I?

Canada's significant contribution to victory in World War I fostered a sense of national pride and earned the country a greater say in international affairs, exemplified by Prime Minister Robert Borden demanding Canadian delegates at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.

What legislative change in 1931 significantly altered Canada's autonomy?

The 1931 Statute of Westminster granted Canada full legislative independence from Britain.

What was Canada's position at the outbreak of World War II?

Canada was no longer obliged to fight with Britain due to its legislative independence. Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King stated that Canada's Parliament would decide when the country would go to war, leading to Canada declaring war on Germany on September 10, 1939, a week after Britain.

How did Canada's military status change after World War II?

After World War II, Canada emerged with one of the largest navies in the world and gained unprecedented global clout, leading to what is often described as the Golden Age of Canada on the world stage.

What diplomatic achievement is considered Canada's finest hour?

Canada's finest hour in diplomacy is considered to be in 1956 when Canadian Minister of External Affairs Lester Pearson helped end the Suez Conflict in Egypt by advocating for the creation of a United Nations Emergency Force, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

How did Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's view on foreign policy change over time?

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau initially believed Canada had over-extended itself and needed to focus inward. However, he later launched a globetrotting peace mission to ease Cold War tensions, though his efforts accomplished little.

What was Canada's response to the 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States?

In response to the 2001 terrorist attacks, Canada deployed soldiers to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban and al-Qaeda. More than 150 Canadians died in the controversial war over the next decade.

How did Prime Minister Stephen Harper's foreign policy differ from previous governments?

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's foreign policy involved strong support for Israel and a departure from the 'honest broker' role of past Liberal governments. His government continued fighting in Afghanistan, pursued free trade, and maintained important relationships with the United States and NATO members.

What has been Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's approach to Canadian foreign policy?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tried to recapture Canada's Golden Age by emphasizing multilateralism, bridge-building engagement, and peacekeeping. His vocal embrace of pluralism and international cooperation has brought Canada new notoriety, although the next chapter in Canadian foreign policy is expected to be one of continuity rather than revolution.

Outlines

00:00

🇨🇦 Birth and Early Challenges of Canada

In 1867, Queen Victoria gave royal assent to the confederation of the Dominion of Canada, uniting three British colonies—Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick—into a self-governing entity. Early concerns included maintaining sovereignty while balancing ties with Britain to prevent American expansion. During World War I, Canada had little control over its foreign policy, but its significant contributions to the war effort fostered national pride and increased international influence. The 1931 Statute of Westminster granted Canada full legislative independence, allowing it to declare war on its own in World War II, contributing significantly and emerging as a major military power. This period marked Canada's Golden Age on the world stage, with substantial military presence and significant diplomatic achievements, including Lester Pearson's Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the Suez Conflict.

05:00

🇨🇦 Post-War Shifts and Modern Challenges

Post-World War II, Canada’s global influence peaked, but was unsustainable as internal and external dynamics shifted. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in 1971 called for a more inward focus, though later efforts to ease Cold War tensions had limited success. Later foreign policy achievements included Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's anti-apartheid stance and the ban on anti-personnel mines under Jean Chrétien’s government. The 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States led Canada to join the war in Afghanistan, marking a strong commitment to NATO and the US. Although Canada refrained from the 2003 Iraq invasion, it later joined efforts against the Islamic State. Under Stephen Harper (2006-2015), Canada’s foreign policy saw a shift towards vocal support for Israel and a focus on free trade, moving away from the ‘honest broker’ role of previous governments.

🌍 Modern Foreign Policy and Future Directions

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has aimed to revive Canada’s Golden Age by committing to multilateralism, engagement, and peacekeeping. His emphasis on pluralism and international cooperation has enhanced Canada's global reputation. Despite these efforts, the deployment of new peacekeepers remains pending, and relations with Iran, Israel, and Russia show little change, suggesting a foreign policy characterized by continuity rather than dramatic shifts.

Keywords

💡Confederation of Canada

The Confederation of Canada refers to the unification of three British colonies — Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick — into the Dominion of Canada in 1867. This event marked the beginning of Canada as a self-governing entity, laying the foundation for its future independence and nationhood.

💡Dominion

Dominion was a term used to describe the semi-autonomous polities within the British Empire. In the context of the script, Canada was a dominion of the British Empire, which meant it had some degree of self-governance but was still under British control, especially in matters of foreign policy.

💡Great War

The Great War, also known as World War I, was a significant global conflict from 1914 to 1918. Canada’s substantial contribution to the war effort helped foster a sense of national pride and earned the country a greater role in international affairs, as evidenced by its participation in the 1919 Paris Peace Conference.

💡Statute of Westminster 1931

The Statute of Westminster 1931 granted full legislative independence to Canada and other dominions. This marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history, as it meant that Canada was no longer legally obligated to follow British foreign policy, exemplified by its independent declaration of war in 1939.

💡Suez Conflict

The Suez Conflict of 1956 was a diplomatic crisis involving Egypt, Israel, Britain, and France. Canadian Minister of External Affairs Lester Pearson played a crucial role in resolving the conflict by advocating for the creation of a United Nations Emergency Force, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize and cementing Canada’s reputation in peacekeeping.

💡Lester Pearson

Lester Pearson was a Canadian diplomat and politician who significantly influenced Canada’s international role. His efforts in resolving the Suez Conflict and promoting peacekeeping earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957, symbolizing Canada’s commitment to international peace and cooperation during its Golden Age.

💡Cold War

The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the Western bloc led by the United States from 1947 to 1991. Canada played a vital role in the Western alliance, maintaining a substantial military presence in Europe and participating in NATO, which highlighted its strategic importance during this era.

💡Pierre Trudeau

Pierre Trudeau was the Prime Minister of Canada who, in 1971, asserted that Canada had overextended itself internationally and needed to focus more on domestic issues. His tenure marked a shift in Canadian foreign policy, though he later engaged in a peace mission to ease Cold War tensions, illustrating his complex approach to international relations.

💡Multilateralism

Multilateralism refers to multiple countries working together on a given issue. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized multilateralism in Canada’s foreign policy, aiming to revive Canada’s international engagement and collaboration through organizations like the United Nations, reflecting a return to Canada’s traditional diplomatic values.

💡NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance formed in 1949 to counter Soviet expansion. Canada was a founding member and contributed significantly to the alliance, including during the Cold War and in post-9/11 conflicts, underscoring its commitment to collective security and international military cooperation.

Highlights

In 1867, Queen Victoria gave royal assent and proclaimed the confederation of the Dominion of Canada, uniting three British colonies — Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick — into its own self-governing entity.

Canada's chief concern with the outside world in its early years was survival, needing to balance sovereignty with strong ties to Britain to deter American expansionism.

In 1914, Canada, as a dominion of the British Empire, was automatically at war when Britain declared war against Germany, although it could decide its level of effort.

Canada's significant contribution to victory in the Great War fostered a sense of nationhood and earned the country a greater say in international affairs.

The 1931 Statute of Westminster granted Canada full legislative independence, allowing it to decide independently to declare war on Germany in 1939.

Canada emerged from the Second World War with one of the largest navies in the world, enhancing its global reputation and influence.

The 1950s and 60s are often described as Canada's Golden Age on the world stage, with substantial military spending and significant diplomatic achievements.

In 1956, Lester Pearson, Canadian Minister of External Affairs, helped end the Suez Conflict by advocating for a United Nations Emergency Force, earning a Nobel Peace Prize.

Canada's global influence in the 1950s and 60s was substantial but not sustainable, leading to a shift in focus inward by the 1970s.

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's later efforts in international peace missions marked a modest shift from Canada's earlier substantial global influence.

Prime Minister Brian Mulroney fought against white rule in South Africa, and Jean Chrétien's government campaigned for a ban on anti-personnel mines.

The 2001 terrorist attacks led Canada to participate in the war in Afghanistan, reinforcing close ties to the United States and NATO.

Canada joined the fight against the Islamic State from 2014 until early 2016, focusing on training and assisting local forces rather than airstrikes.

Under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada shifted its foreign policy rhetoric, emphasizing strong support for Israel and pursuing free trade.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has aimed to recapture Canada's Golden Age through multilateralism, international cooperation, and peacekeeping, though with continuity rather than radical change in foreign policy.

Transcripts

In 1867, the Queen Victoria gave royal assent and proclaimed

the confederation of the Dominion of Canada;

uniting three British colonies — Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

— into its own self-governing entity.

Canada’s chief concern with the outside world in its early years was survival.

It had already been part of a long history of conflicts between

the United States and the British Empire.

It needed to strike a delicate balance with Britain

– slowly achieving more sovereignty,

while maintaining ties that were sufficiently robust to stop

America from getting any expansionist ideas.

In 1914, Canada, as a dominion of the British Empire,

had little say over its own foreign policy.

When Britain declared war against Germany that August,

Canada was automatically at war too.

It could, however, decide just how much effort it would put into the fight.

It was Canada’s outsized contribution to victory in the Great War,

that birthed a prideful sense of nationhood,

and earned the young country a greater say in international affairs.

Prime Minister Robert Borden demanded that Canada send

its own delegates to the post-war Paris Peace Conference of 1919.

Canada “is a nation that is not a nation,”

he wrote in a letter to his wife. “It is about time to alter it.”

The 1931 Statute of Westminster gave Canada full legislative independence.

So, when the Second World War broke out,

Canada was no longer obliged to fight with Britain.

Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King said Parliament

— Canada’s Parliament — would decide when the country went to war.

It waited a week before declaring war against Germany on September 10, 1939.

Canada finished the Second World War with one of the largest navies in the world,

emerging among the victors with its reputation and global clout at an unprecedented high.

What followed is often described as the Golden Age of Canada on the world stage.

With a population less than half of what it is today,

Canada had a larger military In the 1950s than it does in 2017.

It was fourth among NATO members in per-capita military spending.

And by 1962, it garrisoned some 14,000 soldiers in Germany

to help stare down a belligerent Soviet Union.

Canada was a valued and important member of the Western alliance.

It was also a bridge — within the Commonwealth;

between Europe and its new closest ally, the United States.

Diplomatically, Canada’s finest hour came in 1956,

when Canadian Minister of External Affairs Lester Pearson

helped end the Suez Conflict in Egypt by pushing for the creation

of a United Nations Emergency Force to police the area.

For his efforts, Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize,

and has been called a father of peacekeeping because of it.

Canada’s Golden Age came at a time when much of the world

was still shattered as a result of the Second World War.

Half of Europe was effectively occupied by the Soviet Union,

and millions of Chinese were starving to death because of Mao's great leap forward.

Canada’s global influence in the 50s and 60s was substantial, but not sustainable.

In 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau said

Canada had over-extended itself and that it was time to look inward.

Trudeau eventually had second thoughts and launched

a globetrotting peace mission to ease Cold War tensions shortly before retiring,

although his efforts accomplished little.

Canada’s later foreign policy successes were more modest

compared to Pearson’s peacemaking.

But they were on occasion significant.

Prime Minister Brian Mulroney fought for an end to white rule in South Africa.

And, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s government campaigned for

a ban on anti-personnel mines,

resulting in a treaty that was eventually endorsed by some 160 nations.

The 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States

shook Canada out of its post-Cold War complacency.

Within months, Canadian soldiers were in Afghanistan,

fighting the Taliban that had sheltered Osama bin Laden

and his al-Qaeda group that attacked America.

Over the next ten years, more than 150 Canadians would die in a controversial war

that reinforced Canada’s close ties to the United States and

its commitment to the NATO military alliance.

Canada sat out of the 2003 American-led invasion of Iraq,

but joined combat there a decade later,

dropping bombs on the so-called Islamic State jihadist group from 2014 until early 2016,

when it ceased airstrikes in exchange for training and assisting local forces.

Canadian foreign policy under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, from 2006 to 2015,

involved a sharp change in rhetoric. 

Harper was particularly full-throated in his support for Israel.

And his Foreign Minister, John Baird, said Canada would not be a referee in the world

— which was an implied dig at the so-called

“honest broker” role of past Liberal governments.

Canada continued fighting in Afghanistan. It pursued free trade.

And its most important relationships remained with

the United States and NATO member states.

More recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tried to

re-capture some of Canada’s Golden Age lustre,

proclaiming a commitment to multilateralism, bridge-building engagement

and peacekeeping.

His vocal embrace of pluralism and international cooperation

has brought Canada new notoriety in the world.

However, with no new peacekeepers yet deployed,

and relations with Iran, Israel and Russia unchanged,

the next chapter in Canadian foreign policy looks to be one

of continuity rather than revolution.