U.S and Russia sign pact, is Canada falling behind?

[shockedcanadian]

Hello all,

Is Canada falling behind in our Intenational influence and credibility? As we all know: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/03/26/us-russia-nuclear-treaty.html

U.S and USSR are signing the long overdue nuclear disarmenent agreement, the value of which is debatable as they still have enough nukes to destroy the world many times over. However, it is a symbolic gesture; these two countries are moving past the Cold War and hopefully into a new era. This is very important as Russia has a strong alliance with China.

SO now the point of my posting. Has Canada lost it's world influence? Has our credibility been destroyed? The reason I say this, is we have always played a significant role in world events, even if not a major role, but I don't "sense" the same influence in 2010. Now I am not trying to bash the current federal government, but I will say, as I have always believed, the microcosm influences the macrocosm. If you show resentment and contempt for individual rights, accountability and transparency, your credibility is gone. If your credibility is gone, your ability to influence will wane.

Canada has the strongest economy of the G7, we have the best banking environment in the world, yet, our influence has become WEAKER in my opinion. It appears that we are losing a rare and important window of opportunity to influence world issues based on the strenth of our economy when everyone elses is faltering.

[Spazito]

1. Canada has never been a 'power broker' as we are what is called...

'a middle power'. What we have lost, however, is our reputation as honest brokers in that we were often asked to mediate between two factions because we were trusted by both. We are now looked upon as merely an echo chamber for the U.S. and therefore no longer a neutral and trustworthy nation.

The current government has, by both their words and their actions, caused us to lose much respect in the International community, sadly.

[glarius]

2. One of the reasons is NOBODY LIKES HARPER!

IMO he is not on friendly terms with Obama or any of the world leaders and therefore Canada has slipped as an influence....He is just so damned arrogant and unlikable!

[RC]

3. So how did he get re-elected?

How does he stay in power?

[HappyCynic]

4. He's in power but not with a majority

Here's how I see it:

Harper & party: hasn't screwed up bad enough for their base to abandon him in significant numbers, hasn't done enough good for others to trust him.
Liberals: Hasn't really recovered from some scandals years ago (the effects of the scandals themselves aren't as much of a factor any more - it's just that after losing power, they haven't really gained much traction)
NDP: faces general distrust on fiscal issues and there aren't enough strong left leaning voters to put them in power
Bloc: Quebec based party that is fairly stable in terms of power-base due to its focus on francophone/Quebec (but is a major player due to the size of the Quebec population and its representation in government).
Green party: Not a major player yet but influence is slowly growing.

Harper's in power because he's treading carefully (which is why it isn't too bad right now even though Harper is Bush Lite) due to the minority government status. He can't push through legislation alone - he requires at least one of the other large parties to cooperate.

[RC]

5. Thank you.

[shockedcanadian]

6. Yes

Appears we don't really and truly have a clear cut leader, this divide in Canadian politics does not help at the Federal level, though I would much rather have too many parties than only two. I look at Harper as a politicians politician. He knows the game well and plays it well. It's a win at all costs mentality with very little substance, in fact, the less substance the better, just throw out buzz words and popular emotional issues that he knows will garner some votes and he should be ok, as his competition is so weak.

There was a poll that was recently completed that suggested that Canadians actually like Layton most as leader, though his party would certainly not win an election. I am not sure if the poll suggested he was liked best, respected best, trusted best or what have you, but he was the "winner" in this poll. That being said, as you suggest, the NDP are not desired as they are considered extreme left on fiscal and social issues. They have never lead this country at the federal level and I would like to see them get the opportunity with Layton as leader, but this is a pipe dream.

Ultimately, I don't like either the Conservatives or the Liberals, but this does seem to be particularly dark times in Canada at both a National and on a global scale. I tend to lean towards conservative fiscal restraint (in the traditional sense) and liberals on social issues, but neither of these parties clearly convey a balance on these two continuums. Only strong, honest and progressive leadership can revive the way we are viewed in the world and I am not sure that this government is overly honest or progressive. The rest of the world appears to agree, and they react accordingly.