Please note: The questionnaire was distributed to all candidates in both federal ridings; not all candidates chose to respond.

1. In order of importance, what in your opinion are the five main foreign policy issues facing the next Canadian government?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

a) Aid in Africa

b) Peace in Haiti

c) Fighting global terrorism (Afghanistan)

d) The war in Iraq

e) NORAD (a.k.a the North American missile defence program)

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

I have some trouble ranking issues in order of importance. However, I would suggest the following should have high priority:

· Increasing aid to 0.7% of the GDP

· Canceling Foreign dept

· Peace and conflict resolution

· Human Security

· Support for indigenous civil society development

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

a) Stewardship of our natural resources; fish, oil & gas, water

b) International security - terrorism

c) Resolution of trade disputes such as softwood lumber and beef

d) Continued work with under developed countries through CEDA [sic]

e) Enhanced role for UN especially in area of conflict moderation

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

a) The most pressing issue facing our government right now relates to our sovereignty. The government needs to address the issue of Hans Island, recently claimed by Denmark. We need to send a message that we are not willing to stand by while foreign countries expropriate our territory. The government must also address the issues of ownership of the Northwest Passage, the maritime boundary between Alaska and Yukon, and ownership of the continental shelf in the Arctic. Allowing foreign countries to claim our territory as their own will set a dangerous precedent.

b) With the War on Terror continuing for the foreseeable future, Canada needs to re-examine the role it will play as a part of this conflict. Will we continue to invade countries like Afghanistan, which may pose a terrorist threat? Or will we instead try to determine the causes of terrorist actions (economic inequality and injustice) and root them out? The latter option makes much more sense in my opinion.

c) Canada needs to take a look at its position within NAFTA. With softwood lumber, potatoes, beef, and chicken all being held up at the US border at one time or another over the past couple of years, we have to ask ourselves if this is indeed “free” trade. Perhaps our government could negotiate a better deal for Canadians who rely on exports to the US. Before stepping into the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas, Canada needs to reassess the benefits and the drawbacks created by such free trade agreements.

d) The Canadian government must firmly commit to continued aid to poor nations. The provision of health care, education, and nutritious foods to the people of these nations will produce good neighbours in the global village in which we live. Aside from being the right thing to do, our measures to help those in need will also ensure our safety from terrorist attacks and other hostile actions.

e) With Canada’s failure to participate in the war in Iraq, we were made aware of just how much we rely on the United States economically. Although their threats to cut off trade if we did not go to war proved to be false, we would have been in a great deal of trouble had they actually followed through. Over eighty per cent of our exports are shipped to the US and over sixty per cent of our imports are from the US. It is time for our government to begin searching for other trading partners worldwide. We rely far too heavily on the US economically, placing them in a position of power over us.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

a) Star Wars/Missile Defence.

b) Increasing foreign aid and taking action to reduce poverty, pollution, gaps between rich and poor.

c) Implementing the Kyoto Accord to address global environmental crisis.

d) Work within UN, help to strengthen UN, work with UN to achieve peace in Middle East

e) Work with European and other agencies and organizations to develop international approach to peaceful means of combatting terrorism.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

a) Aligning immigration/border policies with US or not.

b) Degree of participation in US aggression.

c) Degree of involvement in peacekeeping.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

a) Star Wars and Missile Defense Sheild

b) Homeland Security and Border with US

c) The Kyoto Protocol

d) Free Trade with the US

e) Strengthening the UN (so something like the bombing of Iraq does not happen again)

2. What are the main lessons of the war and occupation in Iraq for the future of: a) US-Canada relations; b) the United Nations; c) international efforts to combat terrorism?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

a) Canada’s foreign policy must be developed independently, regardless of US foreign policy decisions.

b) The UN must be fully engaged and proactive in all decisions involving arms, disarmament, and subsequent occupation of countries.

c) A clear mandate for fighting terrorism must be established and followed.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

a) Canada needs to maintain an independent Foreign Policy stance based on peace and conflict resolution rather than confrontation

b) The United Nations should be the vehicle of first resort rather than last resortin resolving International conflict

c) It is wrong headed to focus nation states in fighting terror. Terrorist organizations are cell based, decentralized entities. Fighting terror by attacking nation states is ineffectual as well as immoral.

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

a) Canada can and should take independent stands on issues of international significance, while maintaining a working relationship with the US. We don’t have to thump our chest respecting any position we take that is not in line with US positions on the international stage.

b) The United Nations has a vital role to play in conflict situations and it must be recognized, up front, as a significant contributor to the peace process.

c) It is imperative that one thoroughly understand the culture of a country before any nation attempts to promote its dogma within that country. The gaps are frequently significant and can lead to unnecessary conflict.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

a) Importance of maintaining our sovereignty and accepting our role as peacekeepers, not being intimidated by “the elephant”. We also know where most Canadians stand.

b) The UN needs an overhauling. It is more important than ever, but its dominance by the US holds back its potential as a world force. The traditional composition of the Security Council is in need of change and openness to a post-Cold War world. But it is the world body that we look to in times of crisis.

c) International efforts to combat terrorism are dominated by the US, which believes in force. Terrorism has worsened because of the US aggression in Iraq. The need to work with other groups to combat terrorism through development programs and security measures that tighten controls, protect the traveling public.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

a) Canada’s failure to participate in the war in Iraq was very revealing in a number of ways. We saw the U. S. government make threats (mostly economic in nature) to our country and all other countries that would not participate in its war, demonstrating that it would use bullying tactics to get its own way. On the flipside, however, we saw the American government’s unwillingness to follow up on these threats. Our trade agreements are still in place and our political relationship with the U. S. does not seem to have suffered because of our lack of involvement in this war. I believe that if we are to learn anything from the war in Iraq, it is that our government should not bow to American pressure. Our government should always do what is in the best interests of the people of this country, even if that means standing up to the United States.

b) The war in Iraq served to undermine the authority of the United Nations. Not satisfied with the weapons inspections that were carried out by the U. N., the U. S. government decided to invade Iraq on its own. The U. N. did nothing to stop this war from taking place. Much like the blows dealt to the League of Nations in the interwar period, this act of defiance on the part of the U. S. and the U. N.’s failure to take action could be crippling. What good is the United Nations if it cannot exert some form of control over its members? If the U. N. is to continue on as a meaningful institution, it must be able to seize control and exert its force to uphold its place power.

c) The war in Iraq has taught us very little about combating terrorism. The majority of terrorists who took part in the 9/11 attacks came from Saudi Arabia. If this was supposed to be a war against terrorists, perhaps the U. S. should have invaded Saudi Arabia. While President Bush and his advisors insisted there was a link between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda, this was later proven to be false. If anything, this war has taught us that we should have concrete evidence of terrorist activity before invading a foreign country.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

a) Mustn’t automatically support US.

b) Military actions should be sanctioned by UN.

c) Terrorism should be combated by diplomacy and understanding, not aggression.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

a) The need to be firm on our principals and not to give into pressure from the south.

b) The need for the U.N. and Canada's participation in it

c) The best way to combat terrorism is to be a powerful force for good in the world, help countries in need.

3. What are the main strategic and political reasons leading you to either support or reject Canadian participation in the US missile defence programme?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

I support interaction between Canada and the US and the possible development of a North American Air Defence System. Because we share a continent, are close trading partners and allies, and Canada is listed in Al Queda’s ‘top 10’, I think it would be prudent to establish a system that would help Canada and the US identify unauthorized aircraft or missiles to approach domestic soil. However, the specific details and cost of any such system would have to be negotiated to acceptable standards before Canada will offer its support.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

Reasons for rejecting Canadian participation:

a) Lack of a perceptible/plausible threat

b) Destabilization through the militarization of space

c) Placing Canada reversibly within the U.S. sphere of influence

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

The US missile defence program is a nation’s response to perceived threats on the international stage. In the view of the US, the program extends to the entire continent of North America. We are a significant presence on this continent and therefore must be prepared to participate in its defence. I would not reject participation in the proposed missile defence program given the volatile state of our world presently. Canada is a huge country that must be prepared to defend against potential harm. Naturally we would want to be fully informed regarding the depth and scope of the program and the degree to which the US would wish us to play a role.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

Reasons for rejecting Canadian participation:

a) Escalation of arms race.

b) Increase danger of nuclear war.

c) Waste of money when money could be used to fight AIDS pandemic or for international economic and social development.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

I would reject Canadian participation in the U. S. missile defence programme. Most Canadians are opposed to such a programme. Aside from being very costly, the technology has yet to prove its capabilities. The programme would do very little in the way of defending our country from would-be enemies, likely sparking an arms race. The fact of the matter is that the modern war is not fought on the battlefield. The terrorist is the modern day soldier. Since terrorism is fuelled by poverty and injustice, our best mode of defence would be to eliminate these elements.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

Reasons for rejecting Canadian participation:

Hugely expensive; will lead to escalation of weapons production; largely unnecessary in post-Cold War environment.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

a) will be too expensive – will make us a target

b) missiles would be detonated over our country

c) will not work

4. President George W. Bush has described weapons of mass destruction as “evil”. Do you believe that any state has the right to possess such weapons, and what steps do you think Canada could take to advance the goal of a WMD-free world?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

I feel the United Nations must develop a strategy to effectively deal with WMD. Through consultation with its membership, the UN must clearly construct effective policy on the development and use of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Once established, a governing body should be developed to ‘police’ all countries to ensure compliance. Canada should be an advocate for WMD policy.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

I agree that WMD are evil including the massive arsenal currently held by the U.S. No state should have them. All states, including the U.S., through the U.N. ,should be encouraged to sign anti-WMD treaties.

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

These weapons exist. The question of whether a country has a “right” to possess them is mute [sic]. What one country defines as aggression, is defined by another as defense. Only through the United Nations and other internationally recognized bodies will we be able to approach this problem and hopefully reach a consensus among countries regarding how to scale back on the number and type of such weapons. Canada should press the issue whenever the opportunity arises.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

NO. Push for arms treaties; continue to stand for peace.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

No country, including the United States, has the right to possess weapons of mass destruction. I believe that Canada could best advance the goal of achieving a WMD0free world by pressuring international bodies such as the United Nations to develop and implement programmes that would regulate weapons production worldwide.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

US is largest possessor of WMD. Trying to create a fair and equitable world trade and relations environment will help defuse perceived need for WMD.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

No, I think we should be leaders for a WMD-free world. This may be our biggest challenge – we must work together to find solutions.

5. Canada is a well-known advocate of the human security agenda. How would you define ‘human security’, and how well does Canadian foreign policy reflect a commitment to such an agenda?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

‘Human security’ can be defined as fulfilling basic human requirements for all people, including food, water, shelter, clothing, medical aid, education and training, transportation infrastructure and protection from political and/or military strife. I think Canada is fully committed to providing human security to all members of our global community. Our UN peacekeepers and CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) involvement in Africa, the Middle East, South America, etc. serve as two major examples of our dedication.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

Human security refers to the capacity and ability of human populations to obtain the basic requirements for human life. Present Canadian policy, while advocating human security, falls short on issues such as debt cancellation, our level of aid, and support for civil society development.

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

A recognition of and respect for basic human rights would go a long way toward achieving human security. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an example of the type of initiative that would advance the cause of human security across the world. Though not a major power on the world stage we should continually advocate for the recognition of basic human rights worldwide.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

Safety within framework of civil liberties: human security includes food security, availability of clean water, shelter, education. Canada does not do well; the amount of foreign aid continues to drop.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

In my opinion, human security refers to a state in which people can live freely and enjoy their basic human rights without fear of threat. Canada’s role as peacekeeper, as well as its commitments to fighting diseases such as AIDS in Third World countries reflects a commitment to the human security agenda. I would like to see Canada play a bigger role in this respect by addressing the issues of poverty and injustice that breed terrorism, making the world a safer place for everybody.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

I don’t feel knowledgeable enough to comment.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

I am not familiar with this policy (agenda).

6. What are the most important steps the next Canadian government could take to help reduce global poverty?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

Canada must continue to invest in underdeveloped/developing countries through CIDA, the UN, and other world organizations. Specifically, we must ensure progress is made in terms of establishing and empowering democratic governments, proper allocation of funding, and equality for all people.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

a) Debt cancellation

b) Fair trade policy

c) Civil society development

d) Increase aid commitment

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

Canada can start by increasing our contribution to international efforts in crisis situations. We are a rich nation and should be prepared to do more to help the world’s poor. Perhaps we should also consider “adopting” some under developed countries and mentoring the outcomes, while respecting their right to self-determination. We should basically be leading by example, both to other prosperous countries and to under developed countries as well.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

a) Increase foreign aid.

b) Untie aid from business ventures in developing countries.

c) Establish regulations for Canadian companies operating abroad.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

The Canadian government should work toward raising the standards of living in developing countries by contributing to the improvement of health and education systems in these countries. Debts must be forgiven in order for these countries to become self-sufficient. As one of the wealthier countries in the world, Canada should set an example by leading the way when it comes to improving the standards of living in these countries.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

Fair trade not free trade!

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

a) Be more creative in the way we help

b) Advocate for better, more equitable free trade

c) Send food and medicines as an alternative to money

7. How can Canada best contribute to improving the state of its own and the global environment?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

Through its endorsement of the Kyoto protocol to reduce atmospheric emissions, Canada is a world leader through its commitment to protect and improve the environment, both at home and abroad. Canada will work with industry to determine new methods that will cut down toxic emissions and reduce costs to participating industries.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

a) Support Kyoto

b) Support community based renewal energy development here and in developing countries

c) See NDP platform for a further range of initiatives

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

By respecting the Kyoto Accord and creating a Canadian program that reflects our commitment to that initiative. We should be doing more to reduce our use of fossil fuels through the advancement of new technologies that more effectively capture energy from the sun, wind, the tides and emerging bio-options.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

a) Implement Kyoto.

b) Clean up water supply.

c) Clean up toxic sites.

d) Invest in programs for production of efficient energy – wind, solar – to replace fossil fuels.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

As a developed nation, Canada can set a good example for the rest of the world when it comes to the environment. Government should look at ways to induce industries and others to use greener forms of energy (i. e. wind power). For example, many more people would be interested in using wind power if they knew they could get some sort of tax incentive or other benefits. Automobile companies should be encouraged to produce green vehicles at a price that is affordable to the average person. This could be accomplished by providing the companies with subsidies for each green car they produce. There should also be some sort of monetary incentive for people to purchase such vehicles (i. e. a tax rebate or cheaper insurance prices). A firm commitment to cleaning up toxic sites like the Sydney tar ponds on the part of the federal government is also necessary in order to improve our environment. What good is clean air when you have tones of toxic sludge sitting in your backyard?

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

Continued peacekeeping role; avoid aggressor status like US.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

Vote Green and clean up the country and help others to do the same.

8. What role should the Canadian military play in support of Canadian foreign policy objectives?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

In terms of military action, Canada should: a) Continue to offer troops to UN peacekeeping efforts; b) Participate in military operations that have been approved and endorsed by the United Nations.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

Support for conflict resolution and peace building initiatives

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

The Canadian military should continue its tradition of peace keeping/enforcement wherever in the world we are able to make a meaningful contribution. We should focus on achievable goals with recognized conditions and defined time limits. In recognition of our international diplomatic role the Canadian military should be supportive of diplomatic processes and foreign aid initiatives.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

Peacemaking; peacekeeping; work with UN.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

In order to be influential in our foreign policy, Canada needs an effective military. Our military should be big enough to be seen by other nations to contribute proportionately to major international stability operations. We need to be able to do our share when it comes to things like peacekeeping.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

Mainly peacekeeping, defence. Also for use in cases of national or international disaster.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

Mainly as peacekeepers.

9. Do you believe that the extension of the NAFTA through the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement is the best means to guarantee the prosperity of: a) the Canadian people; b) the peoples of the hemisphere?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

I believe the establishment of the FTAA will have benefits and drawbacks for all countries involved, similar to the effects of NAFTA. While the benefits of Canadian companies having access to new markets would be apparent, the loss of manufacturing firms in search of ‘cheap labour’ would likely occur, similar to the effect Mexico has had on U.S and Canadian companies looking to save money through cheap labour and tax incentives. Having said that, I think a United Nations driven research study would allow all stakeholders to analyze the possible details of an agreement, learn from the mistakes of NAFTA, understand the measures necessary to protect the developing countries that would be involved and also protect the industry sector of the North American economies. Once all countries were in agreement and the UN/WTO were in agreement, the FTAA could be strongly considered.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

a) NO

b) NO

We need fair trade

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

NAFTA was good for the 90’s, but it is apparent that other international trading initiatives have emerged to challenge NAFTA and strengthen the hand of larger trading blocs. The European Economic Community has coalesced into a major trading force on the world stage, as have the Asians and Latin America. We must now recognize that more and more the international barriers to trade must be relaxed and formulas developed to encourage more sharing of the wealth. As Canadians we should also be aware of the need to develop trading relations with others besides the US. The process will be challenging but the reality is that trading processes are changing and we must be prepared to not only participate but lead.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

a) NO

b) NO

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

In my opinion, the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement will not benefit Canada in any major ways. While it may allow us to add new trading partners to our clientele, the majority of our trade would continue to be with the US. Despite having some benefits for the people of the other nations involved, the agreement would bring more drawbacks than anything else.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

NO!!!!!

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

If it is run the same way as the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement then, a) No, and b) No.

10. In your opinion, should Canada move toward meeting the aid target of 0.7% GNP first proposed the Commission on International Development (chaired by Lester Pearson) in 1969? If so, how quickly do you think such a target can be reached?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

While I lack current statistics on our aid commitment in terms of the Gross Domestic Product, I think our country has, and will continue to, provide an admirable amount of its public funds and resources to help international development and poverty initiatives.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

Yes, within 10 years

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

Yes we should be moving toward that objective, as I alluded to in an earlier response. I would not attempt to define a period of time by which we should achieve this objective. But I would reiterate that we should build upon our successes, adopt selected under developed countries to work with and mentor.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

Absolutely: aim for 0.5% in four years maybe.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

I believe that we should be moving toward meeting this target. If we could achieve this, it would set a good example for other G8 nations to follow. Achieving such a goal would probably take some time, but it is attainable. With hard work and commitment on the part of our government, this goal could be reached in a relatively short amount of time.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

Yes; 3-5 year phase-in.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

Money as aid is often misspent or stolen by corrupt governments – medicine and practical help would be more efficient.

11. In your opinion, what is the greatest achievement and failure of Canadian foreign policy in post-World War II era?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

Greatest achievement; our commitment to Africa.

Greatest failure; our reluctance to become fully involved in Cuba and the Cuban embargo enforced by the US.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

Failure – lack of commitment to local development and support for corporate agenda through the International Monetary Fund and World Banks.

Success – development of peacekeeping concept

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

I would suggest that NAFTA is one of our greatest achievements though the time has come to expand upon this initiative.

I would also suggest that our performance respecting Rawanda and Ethiopia is an example of an inappropriate response to a crisis situation.

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

Achievements – Canada’s international reputation as a peacekeeper; Canada’s refusal to go into Iraq.

Failure – War Measures Act that saw a lot of innocent civilians arrested and imprisoned.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

While it is difficult to pinpoint the single greatest achievement in Canadian foreign policy in the post-World War II era, I would have to say that our involvement in peacekeeping missions around the world is high on the list. These missions have given Canada a good reputation worldwide, and I would suggest that it is very important to maintain this image. As far as failures in foreign policy are concerned, it again is difficult to name just one. For the sake of this question, however, I will say that one of our biggest mistakes as a country was signing on to NAFTA. Our free trade agreement with the US has allowed that country to gain access to our industries and resources, leading to a greater dependence on the American economy, which in turn endangers our sovereignty as a nation.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

Greatest failure – Rwanda.

Greatest achievement? Many minor successes, none great.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

Greatest achievement would in my opinion be not joining in with the U.S. in Iraq. Failure would be the free trade deal with the U.S.

12. Why should voters in Cape Breton care about foreign policy issues?

Rodger Cuzner MP (Liberal, Cape Breton Canso)

Canadian foreign policy represents all Canadians, from Coast to Coast to Coast. Whether rural or urban and regardless of race, religion, gender, etc., all Canadians must be fully aware of what our country is doing outside of our borders. In terms of the upcoming federal election, all voters must clearly understand the humanitarian and military philosophies of each leader and their parties. Developing a knowledge of what each party, if elected, will do on the world stage is very important in determining what we will represent in these times of world hunger and poverty, military conflict, and terrorism. It’s time for all Canadians to decide what CANADA THEY WANT.

John Hugh Edwards (NDP, Sydney-Victoria)

a) In the twenty-first century local is global.

b) A South Asian activist once told me they now that the resources of the south are locked up by corporate globalization- they will be coming for us

c) We are our brother’s keeper

Mark Eyking MP (Liberal, Sydney-Victoria)

Cape Bretoners, like the rest of Canada, are a caring people. We recognize that we have a responsibility to take a stand on foreign issues and to support initiatives that help others.

It is also in our interests to maintain a presence on the international stage. Canada has something to offer that reflects our way of life and we should never shirk from our responsibility to offer advice and assistance where it is needed.

The world is much smaller today than it was even 50 years ago. Trade is international, travel is international and dialogue is also international. As a country recognized world wide for our contributions to peace and development in the past, we have a tradition to maintain. We are respected, our opinions matter and we have an obligation to foster peace and prosperity.

We are after all Canadians!

Shirley Hartery (NDP, Cape Breton Canso)

Because we live in a global world. All issues, local, national and international, are so entwined, so interdependent that we can no longer ignore the broad picture.

Chris Gallant (Independent, Sydney-Victoria)

Cape Bretoners need to realize that what happens in our world affects all of us. Our country’s policies abroad affect how others see us as Canadians, placing us either in a situation where we are seen as good, friendly, generous people, or one in which we are seen as evil people who refuse to help others. In short, Canada’s foreign policy plays a big role in determining how safe we are from outside threats.

Chris Milburn (Green, Sydney-Victoria)

World instability has ripples to every corner of the world in terms of trade, economy, and human lives.

Cathy Theriault (Marijuana Party)

Because these issues will determine and affect our future.

Note submitted by Mark Eyking MP:

The opinions and assessments offered above are personal and therefore not necessarily reflective of the positions and policies of the Liberal Party of Canada.

I came to these beliefs through my international experiences, both before I entered politics and after I became a Member of Parliament. My terms as a member of the Parliamentary Trade Committee and the Foreign Affaire Committee, as well as my experience as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food only served to reinforce my feelings.