An SFU expert on Canadian foreign affairs says a confidential document on a proposed change in Canada’s foreign relations emphasis “doesn’t really represent a significant policy change” on the surface. Paul Meyer notes Ottawa already cultivates “political relationships in tandem with economic interests,” as recommended in the document unearthed by CBC News. But Meyer adds the proposal’s recommendation that Canada pursue an exclusively trade agenda with emerging markets in Asia to minimize Canada’s dependency on the U.S.’ flailing economy is problematic.

Meyer says foreign policies have to be based on comprehensive relationships between nations that address many areas, not just economic ones. “While it sounds nice to say that our future international security engagements will be selected to help promote our economic interests, that is unlikely to be the case,” says Meyer. “What were the economic benefits to Canada of engaging militarily in Afghanistan or Bosnia to name two of our largest foreign security commitments?”

Paul Meyer, 778.782.8520, paul_meyer@sfu.ca