Faithfully yours - Lessons we must never forget– part five
- Details
- Published on Sunday, November 22, 2015
By Neil Strohschein
The Neepawa Banner
Ready or not—Canada’s new government is about to get its “baptism of fire” on the international stage.
The G20 economic summit is underway and the government of Turkey has already stated its intention to “demand” massive support to help them cope with the huge number of refugees fleeing the civil war in Syria.
Meanwhile, three separate terrorist attacks in Paris have left 136 dead (as of Nov. 15) and many more injured, at least 90 of which are in critical condition. French President Hollande has vowed that France will fight back and that those responsible for this act will be shown no mercy. US Secretary of State John Kerry has vowed that “days of ISIS are numbered;” but precisely what he means by this is anyone’s guess—and is not an issue to be debated in this column.
The eyes of all Canadians will be on Prime Minister Trudeau and his government. We all know the promises they made during the election campaign—especially those relating to Canada’s involvement in the fighting in the Middle East. The next few days will give Canadians a good idea of Trudeau’s ability to listen to what our allies are saying and make decisions that balance Canada’s interests with the needs of our neighbors abroad.
As he makes his debut on the international stage, I would urge PM Trudeau to remember one important lesson—a lesson the Chretien and Harper governments seem to have forgotten.
When WWI broke out, Canada sent service people and supplies to help our European allies. Back then, we didn’t really have a choice in the matter. We were closely allied to Great Britain and when the British entered the war, we were in it whether we wanted to be or not.
Our involvement in WWI earned Canada the right to be considered an equal among nations. So when WWII broke out, our involvement was not demanded—it was requested. Our two founding nations (Britain and France) were under attack. We answered their cries for help.
Then, under the leadership of PM Pearson, our focus shifted. In a move that enjoyed wide support from all segments of Canada’s population, our military received two mandates.
The first was to keep our borders secure. So we equipped our Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy so that they could patrol and protect our coastlines and remote northern regions. We were able to identify threats to our security and repel them before they reached our shores. So far; so good.
Then, having renounced conscription and forced military service in favor of a smaller, all-volunteer military, we chose to make “keeping the peace” our focus. We stood between warring factions and helped them work out their differences by negotiation and compromise. We chose the path of greater danger in order that we might produce a more lasting peace.
In recent years, our governments appear to have bowed to public opinion and external pressure instead of sticking to the values that have earned us the respect of friends and foes alike.
As we move forward on the economic, environmental and political fronts, we must pick our fights carefully. Put politics aside. Listen to the voices of all Canadians. Listen to the input and advice of our allies. Then, Mr. Prime Minister, do what is in the best interests of all Canadians. Tell us what you will do and why. We may not always wholeheartedly agree; but we will respect you for having the courage to stand up for and defend those you were elected to serve.
