Event reports
In order to foster the German-Canadian-Dialogue between the next generations of young leaders the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation staged a bilateral platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences on energy, security and trade policies between young German politicians and Canadian experts.
Energy policy
The program started with a trip to Toronto, the most populous city in Canada and capital city of the province of Ontario. The Delegation focused on the energy supply as well as the environmental policy of Canada. Therefore, the participants visited a power plant where they could familiarize with the utilization of hydroelectric power. During the subsequent discussion, the German group had the opportunity to discuss with experts the generation and necessity of renewable energy.
While meeting the Canadian Minister of the Environment the Delegation could deepen its previously gained insights. Minister Kent called the Group’s attention to the rich availability of various natural materials. Besides large oil and coal reserves Canada is the leading supplier for uranium. Moreover, he emphasized that the controversial fracking procedure is not subject to any discussions in Canada. Compared to the USA where the production of natural gas is already implemented there are no plans to apply this procedure in Canada.
Immigration policies
Another important aspect of the program was the Canadian immigration policy. The participation in a Canadian citizenship ceremony was a highlight for the delegation. It was shown that the Canadian immigration policy gives particular attention to integration instead of assimilation. Therefore, the immigrants have the possibility to continue their cultural traditions in their new home. In order to promote economic growth, Canada heavily relies on immigration. That is why Canada welcomed approximately 250,000 new immigrants only in the last year. During conversations with political advisors of “Citizenship and Immigration Canada” and the Jewish community it was discussed how Germany can learn from Canada’s integration processes. Furthermore, Gary Schellenberger Chair of the Canadian-German friendship group in the Canadian Parliament welcomed the participants in his district office in Stratford. In the discussion with Schellenberger, the delegation learned about the influence of the German community in Canada and thus strengthened the cultural exchange.
After Toronto the Delegation continued its trip to Ottawa. By visiting the Canadian Parliament the group experienced the differences between the governmental systems of the formal constitutional Monarchy in Canada and the federal Republic of Germany. The conversation with a politician from Quebec pointed out the political and social challenges of a bilingual state. In the past, Canada had to face several attempts of Quebec trying to declare itself independent. After a referendum in 1995, the union of Canada was only barley secured.
Foreign and Trade Policy
Besides domestic challenges and developments in Canadian government policies, it was important to the delegation to also talk about Canada’s foreign and security policy. During a workshop with Colin Robertson, vice president of the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute the participants discussed both the possibility of an intervention in Syria and the future role of Canada in Afghanistan.
During a reception with young political leaders from Canada both sides could continue and intensify the dialogue on aspects of the Canadian security policy. The latter brought common views to light and thus contributed to a better understanding on either side. Furthermore, it showed both parties further possibilities for a mutual course of action in the future.
Finally, the German and Canadian representatives discussed the attempts to establish a Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union. Both sides welcomed the negotiations which were intensified in 2009 with regard to possible export growth and job creation opportunities.
By having an extensive and versatile program the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation fostered the German-Canadian exchange of experiences particularly among young professionals. In this way, the KAS contributed to the forward-looking transatlantic dialogue which will increasingly include Canadian issues.