NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY CALLS FOR A CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION STRATEGY
December 6, 1996 No. 238
AXWORTHY CALLS FOR
A CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION STRATEGY
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today called for a national partnership to
build a Canadian International Information Strategy (CIIS) as a central element in
the conduct of Canada's international relations. He was speaking to members of
the foreign policy community and the communications and informatics industries in
Ottawa. The event was presented by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its co-sponsors: the Canadian Advanced Technology Association, the Information Technology
Association of Canada, Carleton University's Norman Patterson School of
International Affairs, and the Ottawa-Carleton Board of Trade.
"Globalization, the information revolution, the end of the Cold War and the
democratization of international relations are bringing about a fundamental change
in how the world works," said Mr. Axworthy. "The strategic use of information,
and the ability to influence others by presenting models and ideas, have become
central components of a nation's ability to exert political, economic or cultural
influence."
"The strategic use of information has become a key element of foreign policy; our
foreign policy and programs must reflect this," said Mr. Axworthy. "We need to
consider ways to put new technologies and Canadian expertise to the service of our
country abroad, and to promote Canada and what it stands for in the world."
Mr. Axworthy emphasized the need to reconsider how Canada presents itself to the
outside world in the information age, and how new information technologies can be
used as a tool to achieve foreign-policy goals. The Minister gave several
examples of Canadian initiatives that are already using the full range of
communications technologies to reach out to the world in the fields of education,
development assistance, human rights and the cultural industry.
Mr. Axworthy stressed that a successful international information strategy would
depend on partnerships and consultation involving government, the private sector
and non-governmental organizations. Representatives of development and social
justice groups, labour and business have already participated in preliminary
discussions on the development of an international information strategy. Two of
the four regional forums leading up to the National Forum on Foreign Policy on
December 13 have been focussed on the theme of the Canadian international
information strategy.
These consultations highlighted the importance of building on existing activities
in government and the private sector, and the need for government to take the lead
in certain areas, including articulating the principle themes and messages that
Canada should be communicating to international audiences -- themes such as
democracy, respect for human rights and tolerance.
"Encouraged by this response, we see a need for the development of a Canadian
International Information Strategy," Mr. Axworthy said. "We need a strategy that
puts our assets to work to address the international and domestic challenges of
the information age. A strategy that allows us to reach foreign markets more
effectively and influence international audiences. A strategy that puts new
information technology to work for Canada as it pursues its internationalist
vocation, and as it seeks to advance our interests and values internationally. A
strategy that provides a sharp national focus and that is horizontally integrated
across both government and the private sector."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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