Canadian foreign policy: A liberal party perspective

Abstract

The priority of a Liberal foreign policy centres on how to develop a more independent role for Canada and to carve out special niches of opportunity in a world that is becoming more pluralistic. This article presents a Liberal perspective on a number of key issues such as continental free trade, the role of the United Nations (UN), peacekeeping, foreign aid, and the democratization of the foreign policy‐making process. It argues that comprehensive multilateral and bilateral initiatives throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America would create more social and economic renewal than the North American Free Trade Agreement. The article emphasizes the Liberal Party's commitment to make the cause of a reformed, strengthened UN the watchword of Canadian foreign policy in the 1990s. It points out that as the UN moves into a broader mandate of peacemaking, both the statutory and operational capacities of the world organization must be enhanced. The article also states that there is growing disillusionment with the way Canada's aid program is managed and delivered. The final thrust of a Liberal foreign policy would be to democratize Canada's foreign policy by, among other things, allowing Parliament to become a full partner m debating and approving Canada's international initiatives.