Hampson: What issue should John Baird prioritize?

Economic power is shifting away from the United States, Canada’s traditional market for goods, services, and investment, to the fast-rising economies of the Asia-Pacific region. Trade diversification will be critical in this decade to securing Canada’s future. We we can no longer count on the US to sustain our economic growth.

Canada must also move ahead quickly with the Canada-US Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. This will not be easy. President Obama, whose engagement is essential to the success of this endeavour is already in campaign mode to secure a second term.

The “Arab Spring” presents great risks but also enormous potential to transform a region where ordinary citizens have taken to the streets, rejecting violence and religious and political extremism. Canada should be at the forefront of those offering assistance to those countries now trying to build a viable political and economic order.

We also need to forge new partnerships with other “Constructive Powers,” like us, who punch above their weight and are committed to building a new, stable international order such as Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, Korea, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland, Norway.

The marketing of Canada begins with our foreign service. The days of strict message control and gag orders must end. If the department is to do its job, Mr. Baird must let his officials speak freely.