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About Canada's World

Rationale and Goals

Canada’s World sought to develop a new story for Canada in the world that reflected the historical experiences, values, assets, and interests of Canadians. Executive Director Shauna Sylvester initiated Canada’s World by interviewing over 200 thought leaders from across the country who raised concerns that Canada had lost its footing on the global stage. Believing Canadians should have a say in how the country regained its stance in the international arena, she and the Canada’s World team engaged Canadians from all over the country to develop a future-oriented vision for Canadian international policy. 

Unlike traditional policy reviews and consultations led by government, this initiative was funded by individuals, businesses, international organizations, and foundations who wished to enhance Canada’s international reputation and who sought to inspire citizens to articulate and advance a new international policy for Canada, which:

  • Demonstrates a strong understanding of the complexities of international relations
  • Acknowledges the multiplicity of actors involved in international policy
  • Addresses some of the key global challenges
  • Reflects the diversity of Canadian society
  • Is future-oriented, compelling and effective

People & Organizations

The scope of the Canada’s World required collaboration between individuals and organizations from across the country.

The Canada’s World advisory committees provided guidance and expertise to the project, while the cross-Canada team of staff, interns, and volunteers organized the Canada’s World events and carried out the project’s activities.

The Canada's World team could not have engaged as many diverse groups of Canadians as it did, however, without the wisdom and networks of its many collaborating organizations.

Presentation of Findings

Canada’s World presented its research and findings to the following government and civil society associations and organizations in order to advance the future vision for international policy developed by Canadians through activities organized by Canada’s World.

Government

  • Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
  • DFAIT Task Force on Afghanistan
  • Department of National Defence
  • Diplomatic Corps Services
  • International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
  • Opposition party critics from the federal NDP, Liberals, and Bloc Quebecois
  • Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)
  • Privy Council Office (PCO)
  • Senators
  • Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs
  • Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs

Civil Society

  • Aga Khan Foundation
  • Ashoka Changemakers
  • Asia Pacific Foundation
  • Assembly of First Nations Youth Summit
  • Banff Forum
  • Bealight Foundation
  • BC Business Council
  • BC Council for International Cooperation
  • BC Nurse's Union
  • BC Social Studies Teacher's Annual Conference
  • Canadian Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation (C2D2), Vancouver Chapter
  • Canadian Federation of Municipalities
  • Canadian International Council (CIC)
  • Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation – Loran Scholars
  • Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
  • Civicus
  • Climate Change and Global South Conference, hosted by ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
  • Commonwealth of Learning
  • Community Foundations of Canada
  • David Suzuki Foundation
  • Engineers Without Borders
  • Forum on Afghanistan, hosted by the Trudeau Foundation and the Liu Centre
  • Global Issues Symposium for Youth, hosted by Canadian Red Cross
  • Group of '78 Annual Policy Conference
  • Laurier Institute
  • Lived Rights lecture, hosted by the University of Victoria
  • Max Bell Foundation
  • Manitoba Superintendents conference
  • Model United Nations Summit, hosted by ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
  • Millenium Scholars Think Again conference, hosted by the Canadian Millenium Scholarship Foundation
  • MPA Conference, hosted by Queen's College
  • Policy Research Institute Canada
  • S12 Conference, hosted by ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
  • Sauve Scholars
  • Students from the University of Alberta, Capilano University, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
  • Think Link Conference, hosted by CIGI
  • University of Alberta
  • University of British Columbia Continuing Studies
  • University Women's Club of Victoria
  • Vancouver Young President's Club
  • Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation
  • Whistler Forum on Canadian Foreign Policy