The next chapter in Canada-US relations

By Bob Rae

First published in Global Currents, Winter 2009. Download a .pdf version of the newsletter here.

It has been a historic year for American politics and for the world as a whole. We have seen an entire country demand changes in its governance, with rates of voting and participation far higher for the first time than Canada's. The incoming administration is defined by new, young and exciting talent in Washington - all of which could mean great things for the world, and particularly, for Canada.

Yet despite the excitement and enthusiasm, the threats we face during this global financial crisis are daunting. The foreign policy challenges will be many. We need serious and open discussions with our neighbours and their new President, in order to face these challenges head on.

The "Buy American" clause in President Obama's recent economic stimulus package raised a number concerns amongst Canadian union and business leaders and Parliamentarians. That the U.S. flirted with closing its doors to Canadian trade was a troubling sign of how recessions can change politics. Protectionist urges in difficult economic times are to be expected but the fact that the Harper government was caught off guard by these developments in Congress was deeply troubling. Canada needs to engage, Canada must influence - Canada should not simply react in the eleventh hour.

Afghanistan is another area where Canada can benefit from President Obama's commitment to collaboration. There are clear signals from the Obama administration that they are willing to listen and work with Canada to ensure a smooth transition from a primarily military presence to a more balance mission. With President Obama at the helm, we are more likely to find a co-operative relationship, one that is based on mutual respect and appreciation; but we must not be so foolish to believe that this relationship is one that will simply happen. It must be a relationship based on our mutual sovereign interests while balancing our position and responsibilities in the global community.

Canada has long prided itself on the fact that we are a nation whose approach to foreign policy is dictated by our values and by our interests. The seemingly intractable Israel - Palestine issue is one where the world, and particularly Obama's new administration, can benefit from our commitment and leadership. Obama's new policy of collaboration and open dialogue reflects Canada's ideals of peace, reconstruction and reconciliation in the area; as well an ongoing dedication to a two state solution.

Obama's administration has outlined a renewed approach to multilateralism in foreign policy. President Obama has signed the executive order; Guantanamo Bay will close before the end of the year. Canada has an opportunity to show its commitment to working with Obama to bring Omar Khadr home. It is in our political interest to help President Obama by dealing with our own citizen as the President struggles to repatriate the Guantanamo inmates. More importantly, it is an opportunity for Canada to make sure our best interests are represented - simply allowing to Mr. Khadr's charges to be dropped and for him to simply be shipped home under the

Transfer Act without adequate supervision would be incredibly short sighted on our part. If we refuse to act, there will be no Canadian legal recourse. As a nation, we should negotiate for Mr. Khadr's return now, so that Canada can determine a responsible rehabilitation plan that serves the best interest of Canada and Mr. Khadr, and not only the interests of the United States.

We need to ensure that Canadian interests are being protected in Washington, on all matters. The United States of America will remain our chief ally, our closest friend, and our largest trading partner, but only if take the time to nurture this relationship and actively engage with them on the issues that matter most to us. Canada can find hope in the reality that President Obama is enforcing a stronger commitment to listening, to engaging with other nations and to a renewed approach to multilateralism.