FAAE Committee Report

Our Committee has worked diligently over many months studying the many facets of democratic development. An important conclusion of our report calls for a substantial change in the way Canada contributes to democratic development in the world. The creation of a new foundation to carry out our nation’s democratic development efforts is the most significant recommendation resulting from our deliberations.

Our Committee was advised from all corners that Canada has a great contribution to make in terms of democratic development around the world. In Canada, Europe and America those we met working on democratic development underlined their respect for Canada’s capabilities in this field and encouraged us as they acknowledged that we have some comparative advantages and we can do more.

From this study our Committee has discovered the special talent that Canadians offer the international community. This reputation positions the Government of Canada to make a substantial contribution to the struggle for democratic development around the world in the coming years. Hopefully, the Committee’s report will serve as a reference point for Canada taking advantage of the opportunity we have to make a difference in the world.

On behalf of the Committee, I want to thank Dr. Gerald Schmitz, the Principal Analyst from the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament, for drafting our report and navigating through numerous submissions, extensive evidence and related documents that were consulted. I also express our appreciation for the dedication of our Clerk, Angela Crandall for coordinating the testimony of the many witnesses who appeared before our Committee, and for organizing our two international fact-finding missions for this report. Thanks are due as well to Analyst James Lee and others from the Library of Parliament for background support during the study.

Kevin Sorenson

Chair