On Feb 2nd, I was invited to attend and represent the GPC at a Liberal roundtable on parliament Hill on the subject of Canada and International development.  The session was very interesting and the speakers they brought in were very well informed.  I had the occasion to speak to Micheal Ignatieff on the subject for a few minutes.  I felt that in areas where interests and values overlap certainly dialogue is a good thing.  I did contribute the following remarks directly to Mr Ignatieff and the roundtable, which seemed to be appreciated.   “ There is no doubt that international development is a valuable role that Canada can play in the global community, and a role that suits our size, capacities and values.  We are an exporting nation and the security and prosperity of Canada, is the security and prosperity of the world.  We depend on the world.  The reverse does not apply.

 Certainly Canada cannot do everything to alleviate the tragic needs that exist, but there are things that we can do.   The central issue to contributing to global development begins with how we see our identity and how it evolves in the face of global events.  A helpful response to development lies in striving for an identity which is as “high” as possible,”  that of being a member of a global family, that of being a global citizen.  Gone should be the days where “you bring suffering and we bring money” should be a viable response to development relationships.  There is an adage that says “I am who you are”.  When you suffer, then I suffer.  This is where we begin.

 We advocate a response based on shared values of non-violence, neutrality, and the ethic of care.  We need a response that rebalances our 3D (development, diplomacy, defense) foreign policy approach and has a focus of advocating social responsibility.

 We believe in a national policy of “socially responsible development”, development based on the principles of:

 We believe that an international development framework based on the above is a necessary first step to a more enlightened approach to the crushing needs that exist in the world today.

 We believe that we as a Green Party do not need to wait to be elected to begin making a difference and contributing to solutions.  The Green Party represents nearly a million Canadians who voted for green values and a green voice in Canadian politics.  It is time for action.

 In the cause of the ethic of care;

 Paul Maillet ,

Nominated candidate Green Party Ottawa Orleans

Tel: 1.613.841.9216  Cell 1.613.866.2503
Web site: www.paulmailletgreenpartyorleans.wordpress.com  Email: pmaillet@magma.ca