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May 14,2006 - May 21,2006 |
Peter MacKay goes back to basics
New Foreign Affairs minister's approach for Canada's trade relations
By Angelo Persichilli
Originally Published: 2006-04-23
Being closer to the United States doesn't mean that Canada is giving up its sovereignty to Washington and we can't be closer to Europe; restoring a "professional relationship" with the American administration is "about defending Canadian interests." These are the "basics" of the new Canadian diplomacy preached by new minister of Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay. In an interview with Corriere Canadese/Tandem, MacKay spoke about the need to need to go back to "businesslike and professional attitude" with our partners, the importance of establishing an international network "at a personal level" with foreign colleagues, and also the relationship with Canada's North American partners, the USA and Mexico. He also spoke about the Ianiero case and Canada's cooperation with Mexican investigators.
Mr. MacKay, your government talks heavily about a new era of relationship with United States. Can you elaborate on this delicate subject?
"Of course this relationship is a priority for this government. We have made early indications that we intend to elevate this relationship to what we think it should be, meaning businesslike, professional. A relationship that will get away from what I would describe as personal and, in some cases, inappropriate remarks made by officials from the government and some sitting members. That, to my mind, was directed to a domestic audience in Canada for political purpose. We want to move away from that and back to a more productive relation that can help improve the cooperation in many sectors."
And which sectors are you aiming at?
"Well, issues related to security, trade for the overall benefits of all Canadians. We have enjoyed tremendous relationship with previous administrations in the United States. For example I was in Boston for the International Food Show: there is a huge potential to move forward on some trade issues between New England states and the Maritime provinces. That's obviously in my backyard, but it is the same along all the border. There is a desire in the United States to continue what has been a very forward looking and positive relationship. We need to get back to basics."
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