Based on coverage from Castanet, National Observer, and CHAT News Today.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent participation in the Canada-UAE Investment Summit in Abu Dhabi underscores a significant shift in Canada's foreign policy. With trade and security now at the forefront, the federal government is re-evaluating how it asserts Canadian values on the global stage. While the Liberals maintain that human rights remain a priority, critics argue that the focus has shifted, prompting changes in diplomatic training and international engagement.
Shift from Feminist Foreign Policy
Carney's statements at the G20 summit in Johannesburg clarified that Canada no longer adheres to an explicitly feminist foreign policy. Instead, the government is focusing on broader values, including defending LGBTQ+ rights and combating violence against women. This shift has drawn criticism, particularly as Carney seeks investment from countries like the UAE, which faces allegations of fuelling ethnic violence in Sudan. Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy has been vocal about the perceived dilution of Canadian values in favour of trade access, particularly with the United States under President Trump.
Diplomatic Training and Global Engagement
The change in priorities is also evident in how Global Affairs Canada trains its diplomats. Stephen Nagy, a politics professor who has worked with the department, notes a reduced emphasis on gender and identity issues in training programs. This marks a departure from the previous government's approach, which prioritized environmental, labour, and gender issues in diplomatic engagements, especially in Asia. Nagy points out that the previous values-based diplomacy was often seen as misguided in regions more focused on trade and security.
Economic Focus on Gender Equality
Under Carney, the government is still committed to advancing gender equality, but with an economic lens. Ahead of the G20 summit, Canada's envoy highlighted gender equality as a contributor to economic growth, marking a shift from previous focuses on sexual health and reproductive rights. This economic framing is seen as a strategic move to address human rights objectives without provoking controversy in certain countries. Nagy suggests that this approach could be more effective in achieving human rights goals while maintaining strong international partnerships.
Criticism and Future Directions
Critics like University of Ottawa professor Stephen Brown argue that Canada's reduced leadership in global health initiatives and foreign aid signals a retreat from its former role as a leader in human rights. Brown warns that Canada's reputation as a reliable partner could be at risk if it continues to align too closely with the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand insists that human rights remain a pillar of Canada's foreign policy, adapted to the current geopolitical and fiscal landscape.
As Canada navigates these changes, the international community watches closely. While some Asian capitals express relief at the reduced emphasis on gender politics, others question whether Canada can maintain its standing as a champion of human rights. The balance between economic interests and value-driven diplomacy will likely continue to shape Canada's foreign policy under Carney's leadership.
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Coverage was consistent across the sources, with all reporting on Prime Minister Mark Carney's shift in Canada's foreign policy focus towards trade and security, and the associated criticism regarding human rights and values. No meaningful differences in coverage were found across the sources provided.
