Austin: What issue should John Baird prioritize?

Among many strategic priorities, none presses for enhanced attention more  than Canada Asia relations. It is obvious that Asia is now more than 50% of global GDP and its consumers are in a catch up process in goods and services with the developed world. That’s where the critical mass of world population resides.

Asian nations will as well be playing a more critical role in global governance, directed to the questions of peace and security, enhancement of trade in goods and services, and in the functions of the multi- lateral process in regional and global institutions.

Canada must see its self interest in building relationships, in exchanges of people, in promoting its democratic values without confrontation. The overall theme of engagement at all levels of positive human interaction.