Viewpoint
Connection to foreign affairs obvious and complex

October 16, 2009

By Michael Atkinson

It may seem paradoxical that the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) would choose to spend a day celebrating its 100th anniversary in Saskatoon, so far from its Ottawa offices and international consulates.

Yet in late September, DFAIT officials, academics and a former ambassador gathered at Convocation Hall to discuss the history and debate the future of this complex federal department. Among the speakers were DFAIT Deputy Minister Len Edwards and Kim Richard Nossal, a highly-regarded academic and the Edward Peacock Chair at Queen’s University.

The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy hosted the event along with DFAIT, providing not only a forum for discussion, but an opportunity for the federal government to connect with the provincial: Rob Norris, Minister for Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, was the keynote speaker at the symposium’s luncheon.

It is part of Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School’s mandate to provide forums for policy discussion, at the academic, governmental and public levels, and I believe the DFAIT event was a successful example of our outreach intentions.

The connections between DFAIT and Saskatchewan are both obvious and complex, with views to the past and the future. Len Edwards is from this province, and the Champion of the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School at the University of Saskatchewan and University of Regina campuses. Indeed, he is one of many public servants from Saskatchewan who have entered the foreign service. Another is former ambassador Earl Drake, who participated on the morning panel discussing DFAIT’s history and the ‘golden age’ of Canadian diplomacy. He offered the view that Canada deservedly has an important place in the history of global diplomacy, ranging from John Diefenbaker’s fight against apartheid to Lester B. Pearson’s peaceful interventions.

Looking into the future, Deputy Minister Edwards recognized the growing importance of the provinces in foreign affairs and international trade. The federal government, particularly in foreign affairs, is seeking to renew itself by reaching across the country for qualified, educated, regionally-aware public servants. Where better to search than at universities, and particularly public policy schools such as ours? Where better to reach out to the next generation of well-trained thinkers and policy-makers?

While the number of applications to foreign affairs outstrips the number of placements by far, that is no reason for complacency. DFAIT must reach the best of the best, from every corner of the country, if it is to represent Canada’s regions - not just adequately, but thoroughly. DFAIT is showing a heightened sensitivity by insisting that it employs officials who are acquainted with all parts of the country.

Full acquaintanceship with Saskatchewan was a theme Minister Norris emphasized in his keynote address, while noting the importance of the province in international trade. The provincial government has a very real and vested interest in collaborating with DFAIT in a partnership that is mutually beneficial, Norris told the conference. Saskatchewan needs DFAIT to tell its story, to represent the province in trade matters, and to foster a global policy environment.

Saskatchewan requires DFAIT’s assistance in selling its potash, uranium, wheat and wood - but also its innovation, said Norris. It also requires federal help in attracting investment and immigrants.

I would add that while DFAIT can help Saskatchewan with exports and immigration, Saskatchewan and its universities can help DFAIT with its need for excellent people and policy.

Events such as the DFAIT symposium connect all these ideas. They elevate the academic image of our universities, potentially connect our students with high-ranking officials, and foster an environment of open discussion between the federal and provincial governments. I am extremely proud of the role Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School plays in building Saskatchewan’s national and international influence.

Michael Atkinson
is the executive director of the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy