Stephen Harper’s Feb. 6th speech

Extract on foreign policy from Harper’s speech:

The fourth element of our strategy for a stronger Canada is the restoration of an assertive foreign policy that serves Canadian values and interests.

The escalation of regional conflicts and terrorism in the 1990s, culminating with the 9-11 attacks in New York and Washington, awoke Canadians and the world to new dangers.

Canada needs a stronger military and a stronger role in the world to protect our people at home and our interests abroad.

That´s why we´re going to continue rebuilding the Canadian Forces, continue the fight against the Taliban, and continue our reconstruction efforts for the people of Afghanistan.

In the coming weeks we will table a report in Parliament summarizing the progress and challenges of our mission, and we will be making a significant announcement about the next steps we will be taking in that war-ravaged country.

In Afghanistan and elsewhere, we will continue working with the United Nations and our allies to strengthen international stability and security, and we will continue speaking clearly and
openly on the international scene to uphold the fundamental values of the Canadian people and of all civilized peoples: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

He later talks about a clear choice between a foreign policy that actively stands up for our national interests and values, versus a “soft power” approach that relegates Canada to the sidelines of the international arena.

Read PM Stephen Harper’s full speech here:
Prime Minister Harper outlines agenda for a stronger, safer, better Canada