International
Organizations
Canadian & World Politics
www.CraigMarlatt.com/school
International Organizations
1. Humanitarian Organizations
2. Canada & International Organizations
3. Wanted: New International Organizations
Canada & International Orgs.
• Canada & the United Nations
– Canada has been an active and
committed participant in the United
Nations since its founding in 1945
– Canadian individuals have played
key roles
– Seventh largest contributor ($) of
191 members
– Active in many of the specialized
agencies as well as the main
organs
Canada & International Orgs.
• Canada & the Group of 8
– Annual informal group of 8 countries,
with European Union participation
– Summit locations rotate, with host
leader chairing the discussions
• 2005 Gleneagles Summit had a strong
focus on Africa
– Sherpas and senior civil servants
negotiate statements and action plans
– Canada is only member with a balanced
budget
Canada & International Orgs.
• Canada & The Commonwealth
– Canada was a founding member
– Good governance and the
promotion of fundamental political
values guides their actions
– Canada played a key role in
dismantling apartheid
– Financial assistance through the
Commonwealth aids small states
and developing nations
Canada & International Orgs.
• Canada & La Francophonie
– Natural belonging given our
linguistic duality
– Promote its democratic, cultural,
and economic value
– Defined political, economic, and
cooperation objectives focuses
efforts
– Creation of a “community with
solidarity” on their common
issues
Canada & International Orgs.
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Canada & the World
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www.canadainternational.gc.ca
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Foreign Policy
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Canada and International Organizations
How important do you think the Commonwealth is
among international organizations?
Traditionally, what countries became Commonwealth
members, and what was their relationship to the United
Kingdom?
Identify some criticisms of the Commonwealth. Do you
agree with them? Explain your views.
How important do you think La Francophonie is among
international organizations?
WANTED: New Organizations
• There are many different kinds of international
organizations in the world dealing with many
different issues.
• Times are always changing, though, and world
leaders have recognized the need for new
international organizations to deal with issues
that have never had to have been dealt with
before.
WANTED: New Organizations
• Issues that need to be dealt with by new
international organizations include:
– regulating extra-governmental firms
– controlling drug trafficking
– regulating activities in outer space
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WANTED: New Organizations
• Create a poster showing the details of your new
organization and how it will deal with the issue at
hand.
• Be sure to include an appropriate name, logo,
mission statement, goals, structure, and
membership.
• Be sure that the text of your poster is visible from
the back of the room (i.e. 18 point font or bigger;
point form notes, not long paragraphs) … focus
on visual display