Video: 150 years of Canadian foreign policy

By: /
15 May, 2017
https://youtu.be/1Fsnq0ZUENI

On July 1, Canada celebrates 150 years of nationhood — marking the uniting of three British colonies (Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick). How has Canada’s foreign policy changed over time?

With the anniversary in mind, this OpenCanada video, written by journalist Michael Petrou and animated by Emmy Award-winning art director Santosh Isaac, explores the challenges and milestones of Canadian foreign policy over the last 150 years.

From Canada’s outsized contributions during World War I, which earned the country a greater say in international affairs, to the peacekeeping legacy of Lester Pearson, to more recent efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, our actions paint a complex picture of Canada as an influential — though not dominant — player internationally.

Former Prime Minister Robert Borden wrote in 1919 that Canada “is a nation that is not a nation… It is about time to alter it.” What would he say now, nearly 100 years later?

Before you click away, we’d like to ask you for a favour … 

 

Open Canada is published by the Canadian International Council, but that’s only the beginning of what the CIC does. Through its research and live events hosted by its 18 branches across the country, the CIC is dedicated to engaging Canadians from all walks of life in an ongoing conversation about Canada’s place in the world.

By becoming a member, you’ll be joining a community of Canadians who seek to shape Canada’s role in the world, and you’ll help Open Canada continue to publish thoughtful and provocative reporting and analysis.

Join us