Mitigating the consequences of conflict
Canada is returning to a revamped peacekeeping role with the United Nations, one that's focused on "mitigating the consequences of conflict."
At the tail end of the government's caucus retreat, the ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development and Public Safety together announced they would commit 600 personnel available for deployment for peacekeeping missions and $450 million over three years on a peace and stabilization fund — all part of what Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion calls a "more sophisticated" approach to helping countries in conflict. The fund replaces an existing Global Affairs Department task force.
Still unanswered, however, is where the 600 troops and roughly 150 police officers might be deployed, and how dangerous their missions may be.
Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, Marc-Andre Blanchard, tells The House that the Canadian approach to peacekeeping is not simply a military one — but about making societies, institutions and governance better in fragile states.
- UN Ambassador on how 'the world wants Canada to take on a bigger role'
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Canada has not only a role to play in mediation and peacekeeping, but also in peacemaking and development as long-term solutions to conflict, Blanchard says.
"There is no quick fix for anything in peace and security in some areas of the world."
The Liberals make a pitch to Canadian labour
We talk to Unifor national president Jerry Dias on how Canadian unions are pushing for progress — and Trudeau's own not-so-subtle push to link his Liberals with organized labour.
"We wanted a complete change in direction in Canada," Dias says of the unions' role in voting the Trudeau Liberals to victory in last fall's federal election.
But does that mean Canadian labour is abandoning the NDP — whose traditional turf is the unions — in favour of the Liberals?
"I wouldn't go that far, but the reality is that federally, the NDP is a party in flux," he says.
"The Trudeau government is reaching out to labour. We want a progressive government in Canada. To date, they've been very progressive."
Advocates push for Indigenous Supreme Court judge
It's a change that may fundamentally alter Canada's judicial system. Justin Trudeau's first appointment to the Supreme Court will be consequential — not just because of how the future judge will be chosen, but what segment of the Canadian population they might represent.
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister announced a redesign of the Supreme Court appointment process, opening the process to any qualified Canadian lawyer or judge who is "representative of the diversity of our great country" but with one caveat — they must be bilingual.
Indigenous Bar Association President Koren Lightning-Earle joins The House to discuss why that language requirement will limit the pool of Indigenous judges and lawyers eligible to rise to the court's top spot.
Liberals look ahead to fall after a long, hot summer
The Liberal caucus held a two-day strategy session this week to prepare for the fall session of Parliament.
What's on the agenda, and what big files is the government making a priority?
The Liberal caucus chair, Francis Scarpaleggia, says the focus is on the economy and climate change.
"The economy is really front and centre of our agenda," he says. "As a parliamentarian, you know you have to stay focused on the agenda and get the work done."
In House
Our In House panelists Joel-Denis Bellavance, parliamentary bureau chief for La Presse, and the Canadian Press' Kristy Kirkup, wrap up the week and look ahead to the Opposition parties' goals for the fall session of Parliament.
