Foreign relations of Canada
Overview of the foreign relations of Canada / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The foreign relations of Canada are Canada's relations with other governments and nations. Canada is recognized as a middle power for its role in international affairs with a tendency to pursue multilateral and international solutions.[2][3][4] Canada's foreign policy based on international peacekeeping and security is carried out through coalitions, international organizations, and the work of numerous federal institutions.[5][6] The strategy of the Canadian government's foreign aid policy reflects an emphasis to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, while also providing assistance in response to foreign humanitarian crises.[7] The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is tasked with gathering and analyzing intelligence to prevent threats such as terrorism, espionage, and foreign interference,[8] while the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) is focused on cyber security and protecting Canada's digital infrastructure.[8]
Canada and the United States have a long, complex, and intertwined relationship;[9][10] they are close allies, co-operating regularly on military campaigns and humanitarian efforts.[11][12] Canada also maintains historic and traditional ties to the United Kingdom and to France,[13] along with both countries' former colonies through its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.[14] Canada is noted for having a positive relationship with the Netherlands, owing, in part, to its contribution to the Dutch liberation during World War II.[15] Canada has diplomatic and consular offices in over 270 locations in approximately 180 foreign countries.[1]
Canada's peacekeeping role during the 20th century has played a major role in its positive global image.[16][17] Canada has served in over 50 peacekeeping missions, including every UN peacekeeping effort until 1989.[18] This resulted in Canada providing the most peacekeepers during the Cold War.[19] Since the 21st Century, Canadian direct participation in UN peacekeeping efforts has greatly declined.[20] The large decrease was a result of Canada directing its participation to UN-sanctioned military operations through NATO, rather than directly through the UN.[21] Canada has faced controversy over its involvement in some foreign countries, notably the 1993 Somalia affair.[22] Canada's military currently has over 3000 personnel deployed overseas in multiple operations.[23]
Canada is a member of various international organizations and forums.[24] Canada was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and formed the North American Aerospace Defense Command together with the United States in 1958.[25] The country has membership in the World Trade Organization, the Five Eyes, the G7 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).[2] Canada acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1976.[26] The country joined the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1990 ,[27] and seeks to expand its ties to Pacific Rim economies through membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC).[28] As of 2023, Canada is a signatory to 15 free trade agreements with 51 different countries.[29]