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  > International Public Opinion
  > International Relations
  > Global Assistance
  > Peace & Security
  > Sustainable Development
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International Public Opinion

Canada is best known abroad for its natural beauty. For many people in other countries, Canada is wide-open spaces, mountains, trees and lakes. We are also viewed favourably for being environmentally responsible. In all countries, the vast majority of people polled consider Canadians to be honest, friendly, polite, well-educated, interesting and healthy. Throughout the world, we are known as a modern, progressive nation with an open and generous society, a country in which all people have the opportunity to grow and develop in their own way, and a country that upholds its international commitments. Throughout the world, we are regarded as a nation that respects the contributions and individuality of different cultures. In fact, Canada's deserved reputation for warmth to all peoples is considered an important part of our country's international reputation. Canada has an excellent reputation for compassion towards its own citizens and also for the ways in which we help countries in need.

International Relations

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canada will continue to do its fair share for the world, maintaining our proud and uniquely Canadian contribution to global governance and prosperity. The assistance provided through Canada's aid program accounts for about two cents of every dollar the Government of Canada spends. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is the federal government agency responsible for about 80 percent of Canada's aid. Established in 1968, it reports to Parliament through the Minister for International Co-operation. The other 20 percent is administered by the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which have responsibility for specific aspects of the aid program, such as our contributions to the World Bank and other international organizations. Over the next five years, CIDA will strengthen its programming in four areas of social development: health and nutrition, basic education, HIV/AIDS, and child protection.

Global Assistance

Canada supports sustainable development activities in order to reduce poverty and to contribute to a more secure, equitable and prosperous world. Working with partners in the private and public sectors in Canada and in developing countries, and with international organizations and agencies, Canada supports foreign aid projects in more than 100 of the poorest countries of the world. With a long-standing humanitarian tradition, Canada is also committed to the resettlement and protection of refugees. Those seeking refugee status in Canada are entitled to a fair and independent assessment of their claim.

Peace & Security

Peacekeeping is an important aspect of Canada's national heritage and a reflection of Canadians' fundamental beliefs. It is a dynamic concept that responds to changes in the international environment in order to continue to develop security for people affected by war. Canada builds on its established peacekeeping tradition to make strong and imaginative contributions to international peace and security. Peacekeeping is also a significant component of Canada's foreign policy. Fifty years of experience in peacekeeping and participation in an overwhelming majority of peacekeeping missions mandated by the United Nations Security Council has established an international reputation for Canada.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is a cornerstone of Canadian foreign policy. Through peace building measures, economic arrangements and agreements, development assistance programs, and global environmental partnerships, Canada is working toward a world that is more secure, more prosperous, and more sustainable - in economic prosperity, social development and environmental protection.

Useful Links

> Canadian Representatives Abroad > Foreign Policy / International Relations > Global Assistance > Peace and Security > The World Economy > The Environment / Sustainable Development > Research, Science and Technology > Defence (Current Operations) > Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) > Foreign Investment in Canada > International Development Research Centre > International Trade (stats) > Trade (DFAIT web site)

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Last Updated:
2003-12-30

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