Address by Minister MacKay at the Dialogue of Heads of Delegations
with Representatives of Civil Society, OAS General Assembly

June 4, 2006
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
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NOTES FOR AN ADDRESS BY

FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER AND MINISTER OF THE ATLANTIC CANADA OPPORTUNITIES AGENCY
PETER MACKAY

AT THE DIALOGUE OF HEADS OF DELEGATIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF CIVIL SOCIETY,
36TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

It is a great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to be with you in the context of an OAS General Assembly here in Santo Domingo.

The Government of Canada takes great care to meet regularly with civil society representatives such as yourselves. It listens attentively to their proposals and their criticisms, which are equally important, and provides periodic updates on new developments.

This forum is valued by Canada as a place for meaningful interaction with the proponents of civil society. It is important that many democratic actions and initiatives are explored in a context such as this.

In that regard, I am pleased to note that, across the Americas, civil society organizations are taking every opportunity to make their voices heard, be it within the context of this Dialogue, the Summit of the Americas, the Roundtable or the Virtual Forum.

In Canada, we firmly believe that ongoing dialogue with civil society is essential and healthy. It is something that must continue to grow, for as my grandfather used to say, “You can’t plant trees and flowers on rocks.”

It is not only an opportunity to put our ideas into perspective and broaden our respective horizons. It is first and foremost an opportunity for the government to stay connected and “plugged in” to the concerns of citizens and their communities. In this regard, it breeds, and breathes, accountability.

This year’s theme for the General Assembly, “Good Governance and Development in the Knowledge-Based Society,” reminds us how important it is for governments to stay connected to their citizens. You have made this clear through your representations today.

Like you, I believe that, in the knowledge-based society, information and communications technologies should be tools that bring people together, allowing citizens to get closer to one another regardless of their origins, their geographic location or their means.

I am especially open to the suggestion that particular attention should be paid to groups with special needs. We must ensure that women, youth, minorities, the disabled, the poor and Aboriginal people do not fall by the wayside in the knowledge-based society.

Furthermore, by promoting better dissemination of information, greater transparency, and more sustained and inclusive participation by citizens in the democratic process, new technologies should also be seen as a tool that can improve governance.

In the end, what stands out for me as the main theme of your recommendations is that governments should always make citizens a central focus of their concerns.

Whether we are talking about development, education and health, public sector efficiency or entrepreneurship, I would like to assure you that Canada will promote the far-reaching roles of new technologies in fostering inclusion, increasing direct dialogue and reducing inequalities in the region.

Strong, vocal civil society organizations are key components of representative democratic life around the world and in the Americas. Governments have the responsibility to allow you to flourish and to listen to you, even when points of view differ.

A respectful, constructive dialogue is what Canada will always advocate. A competitive and productive relationship depends on it, and we will continue to build this with you. It is also particularly important that, in engaging with you, we keep in mind that the outcome of our dialogue and exchange requires committed follow-up.

It is a pleasure for me to have been able to be with you to participate in this Dialogue. Thank you for attending in such large numbers. I hope that this conference will allow me an opportunity to get to know many of you. I greatly appreciate your participation.

Thank you.