Key Takeaways
- Canada’s foreign policy is shifting towards prioritizing trade and security over human rights
- The government is facing criticism for its approach to human rights, particularly in regards to its relationships with countries like China, India, and the UAE
- Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that Canada is still upholding values such as defending LGBTQ+ rights and combating violence against women, but the government’s actions suggest a change in priorities
- Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy has accused the government of taking a "bootlicking" approach to the US and muting its focus on Canadian values
- The government’s approach to human rights is prompting concerns about the impact on Canada’s reputation and influence on the global stage
Introduction to the Shift in Foreign Policy
As Prime Minister Mark Carney puts trade and security at the centre of Canada’s foreign policy, observers say Ottawa is also shifting how it asserts its values on the world stage. The Liberals insist they are still standing up for human rights globally while seeking investment from China, India, and Gulf countries. However, a change in priorities is prompting some criticism — and changing how Canada trains its diplomats. This shift in foreign policy has significant implications for Canada’s relationships with other countries and its reputation as a champion of human rights.
The Changing Role of Human Rights in Foreign Policy
The Canadian government’s approach to human rights is undergoing a significant transformation. While Prime Minister Carney has stated that Canada is still upholding values such as defending LGBTQ+ rights and combating violence against women, the government’s actions suggest a change in priorities. The decision to court investment from the United Arab Emirates, despite widespread allegations of human rights abuses, has been particularly contentious. University of Ottawa professor Stephen Brown notes that the government’s approach to human rights is becoming less prominent, stating "They won’t say out loud (that) we’re going to be less interested in values, but clearly that seems to be the case."
Criticism from Human Rights Advocates
Human rights advocates have been vocal in their criticism of the government’s approach to human rights. Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy has accused Prime Minister Carney of taking a "bootlicking" approach to US President Donald Trump, by muting a focus on Canadian values in order to try salvaging trade access. Axworthy has also criticized the government for being part of "a breakdown of collective courage" globally, citing the failure to call out the US for sanctioning members of the International Court of Justice, including a Canadian. Furthermore, Axworthy laments that Ottawa is not mounting a robust campaign to stop countries from exiting the Ottawa Treaty, which he brokered to prevent the use of landmines.
Implications for Canada’s Reputation and Influence
The government’s approach to human rights has significant implications for Canada’s reputation and influence on the global stage. By prioritizing trade and security over human rights, Canada risks being seen as a country that is willing to compromise its values in pursuit of economic gain. This could damage Canada’s reputation as a champion of human rights and undermine its ability to influence other countries to adopt similar values. Moreover, the government’s approach to human rights could also have implications for its relationships with other countries, particularly those that share Canada’s commitment to human rights.
The Future of Canada’s Foreign Policy
As Canada’s foreign policy continues to evolve, it is likely that the government will face ongoing criticism and scrutiny from human rights advocates. The government must balance its desire to promote trade and security with its commitment to upholding human rights. This will require careful consideration of the implications of its actions and a willingness to listen to criticism and adapt its approach as needed. Ultimately, the future of Canada’s foreign policy will depend on its ability to navigate these complex issues and find a balance between competing priorities. By doing so, Canada can maintain its reputation as a champion of human rights and continue to play a leadership role on the global stage.