Why Do Canadian Politics Not Deal With Foreign Affairs?

[Richaard]

You hardly hear it mentioned in debate and when it is it is usually only in the context of Canada-U.S. relations (I sometimes joke that it also involves Canada-Quebec relations LOL).

All Canadian politics deals with are domestic issues and usually from a socialistic view point: Health care, gay marriage, child care, etc.

Why is there not more of a focus on foreign affairs in Canadian politics?

 

[Machjo]

You hardly hear it mentioned in debate and when it is it is usually only in the context of Canada-U.S. relations (I sometimes joke that it also involves Canada-Quebec relations LOL).

All Canadian politics deals with are domestic issues and usually from a socialistic view point: Health care, gay marriage, child care, etc.

Why is there not more of a focus on foreign affairs in Canadian politics?

Absolutely not true. It might not make it in the news much, but Canada is very much involved in the world. We are members of the UN and many UN branches, the Commonwealth of Nations, The Francophonie, NATO, and NORAD among others. The CIDA is also involved in the education systems of others countries, playing a role similar to the British Council albeit in a much more subtle manner. Just look at the CIDA's relationship with Lingo Media, a Canadian publisher in China.

I would just say that much of Canadian politics happens behind closed doors or at least doesn't get reported on much.

 

[damngrumpy]

Canadians are the ultimate diplomats and provide a service to the world of influence
that can only be done in at atmosphere that is discreet. We don't need to shout from
the rooftop, we get the job done where others do not have the same kind of relationships.
Canadians are very effective in world affairs. We even have governments who put
aside their differences and hire othesrs of different political persuasions such as
Stephen Lewis to work in the world arena where mere politicians cannot always go.

 

[darkbeaver]

Absolutely not true. It might not make it in the news much, but Canada is very much involved in the world. We are members of the UN and many UN branches, the Commonwealth of Nations, The Francophonie, NATO, and NORAD among others. The CIDA is also involved in the education systems of others countries, playing a role similar to the British Council albeit in a much more subtle manner. Just look at the CIDA's relationship with Lingo Media, a Canadian publisher in China.

I would just say that much of Canadian politics happens behind closed doors or at least doesn't get reported on much.

The international community eh. CIDA should be drawn and quartered the rest should be gutted and hung on pikes all along the avenue leading to the evil dirty old city. The citizen gets to role play in theatre of absurd Canadian popcult politics where their ritual vote is offered at the blackened iron door behind which the true business of state and empire proceeds without the prying eyes of Joe and Jane nobody. Your last sentence says it all except that behind those doors no politics takes place whatever. That door marks the thresh hold between commoner and elite. There's nothing new under our old sun.

 

[Trotz]

America is like the angry fat guy at the restaurant sitting down next to his skinny friend. Sure, you can tell the fat guy your problem but his blood sugar might be low and he might throw a tantraum. Hence everyone goes the skinny guy (Canada) instead.