FAIT Committee Report

            The inspiration for this study came from a suggestion made by the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, then Minister of Foreign Affairs. He recognized that developments in these far away regions had important security consequences for Canada and also presented a sort of "new frontier" where the potential of Canadian interests and commercial opportunities should be explored. The Committee accepted his challenge to make recommendations in respect of this area which is little understood by Canadians and I hope that this report will make some contribution towards a better understanding of how Canada may play a significant role there.

            As the report makes clear, following hearings in Ottawa and very instructive trips to key states in these complex regions, the Committee has concluded that these states are important to Canada, and require a significant increase in our attention. A long-term approach will be needed to support conflict resolution, transition and development in these regions, and to advance such Canadian foreign policy objectives as security, prosperity and good governance there. There is also a need in the short-term for these goals to be supported by increased Canadian presence on the ground. We hope that this report will be of some help in identifying issues and priorities as we now set our policy goals for future relations with this emerging area.

            The November 2000 federal election delayed the completion of this report, but the Committee believes its conclusions remain valid and will provide the basis for an enhanced Canadian policy toward these regions. While an increase in bilateral relations between Canada and these states will be an important element of such a policy, the Committee’s study has also highlighted the extent to which multilateral organizations and even inter-parliamentary forums can be used to advance cooperation.

            A report of this complexity and scope could not have been prepared without the collaboration of a great many dedicated and talented people who have been willing to work long hours to bring it to completion. Our research team, composed of Gerald Schmitz and James Lee, contributed their personal expertise and writing skills to the task. Each is to be thanked and congratulated as being responsible for bringing together and digesting the results of so much testimony and providing the Committee with clear guidelines for our recommendations.

            Our Committee clerks, Janice Hilchie and Marie Danielle Vachon, along with Committee staff members, Caroline Martin, Diane Lefebvre and Adèle Levergneux, are to be thanked for their efficiency in ensuring that our work and travel were conducted in the most professional and productive manner, this always calmly and in good cheer in what were often difficult circumstances. Also to be warmly thanked are the many translators, editors, interpreters, console operators and others, as well as the staff of Publications Service, without whom our work could not have been accomplished.

            A trip of this nature puts considerable strain on the members of the diplomatic corps in the places visited and we would like to thank all the many Canadian diplomats who put considerable energy into ensuring that our trip was as profitable for us as it was. In this respect I would like to make particular reference to Ambassador Jean-Marc Duval who travelled with us through Abzerbijan and Georgia, Ambassador Irwin who assisted the Committee in Armenia, and Ambassador Gerald Skinner who so kindly cared for our delegation in Almaty .

            I would also like to thank the members of the Committee from all parties who worked assiduously on this report while attending to much other important work of the Committee as well as their parliamentary duties. Not all the members were able to travel to the region but I am certain that I speak for my colleagues when I say that, though travelling in the region was not always comfortable or easy it was an extraordinary privilege to see that part of the world and meet so many individuals there. We are grateful to our colleagues who remained in Canada but nonetheless participated in drafting this report. I would like to make special reference to the work of Lee Morrison, M.P., who did not present himself for election in 2000 but whose insights were particularly valuable to those who went to the Central Asian Republics.