* Canada and International Development. Are we as good as we think?

There is no doubt that international development is a valuable role that Canada can play in the global community, and a role that suits our size, capacities and values.  We are an exporting nation and the security and prosperity of Canada, is the security and prosperity of the world.  We depend on the world.  The reverse does not necessarily apply.

 Certainly Canada cannot do everything to alleviate the tragic needs that exist, but there are things that we can do.   The central issue to contributing to global development begins with how we see our identity and how it evolves in the face of global events.  A helpful response to development lies in striving for an identity which is as “high” as possible,”  that of being a member of a global family, that of being a global citizen.  Gone should be the days where “you bring suffering and we bring money” should be a viable response to development relationships.  There is an adage that says “I am who you are”.  When you suffer, then I suffer.  This is where we begin.

 We advocate a response based on shared values of non-violence, neutrality, and the ethic of care.  We need a response that rebalances our 3D (development, diplomacy, defense) foreign policy approach and has a focus of advocating social responsibility.

 We, as the group of 4,  believe in a national policy of “socially responsible development”, development based on the principles of:

1.  Fostering integrity in governance:  stopping violence and corruption, protecting human rights.
2. Societal beneficence:  the relief of suffering and enhancement of dignity as human beings.
3. Economic sustainability: the right to livelihood is a basic need, and so is ownership and control.
4. Environmental responsibility:  must be built into all development activities..

 We believe that an international development framework based on the above is a necessary first step to a more enlightened approach to the crushing needs that exist in the world today.

 We believe that we as a Green Party do not need to wait to be elected to begin making a difference and contributing to solutions.  The Green Party represents nearly a million Canadians who voted for green values and a green voice in Canadian politics.  It is time for action.

 In the cause of the ethic of care;
Pauil Maillet, Sylvie Lemieux, Qais Ghanem, Akbar Manoussi 

Tel: 1.613.841.9216  Cell 1.613.866.2503
Web site: www.paulmailletgreenpartyorleans.wordpress.com  Email: pmaillet@magma.ca