“Canada’s foreign policy is ad hoc and reactive.”
Walter Kemp, Institute for Peace and Diplomacy
The Basis of Every Country’s Foreign Policy
Recently, the United States has legitimized what was once a backroom idea—
“there are no friends in politics, only a struggle for dominance.”
Canada may never seek domination, but we cannot afford naivety.
Our foreign policy, like any nation that understands power, is built on strength, freedom, and respect.
Principles of Our Foreign Policy
Canada’s global strategy blends practical interests with core principles, securing our place in an interconnected world through partnerships, integrity, and a vision for a better future.
respect
We uphold the rule of law, human rights, and mutual respect in all dealings, ensuring our actions align with international norms and earn trust from allies and partners worldwide.
standing
Canada asserts its voice on the global stage, advocating for peace, climate action, and fairness, leveraging our reputation as a reliable and principled player in world affairs.
strength
Our strength lies in robust trade networks, allied defenses, and cultural soft power, equipping us to safeguard our interests and bolster global stability with firm confidence and resolve.
values
We root our actions in fairness, inclusion, and justice, reflecting core Canadian ideals that guide our diplomacy and inspire collective progress on the global stage.