Canadian prosperity depends upon a prosperous, well-governed world. Over the last 75 years, Canada has played an important—at times critical—global role. However, the world has become a more complex and crowded place. Canada’s ability to have a global influence cannot be taken for granted. Global Canada is based on two core beliefs. First, that it is in Canada’s strategic interest to increase its global impact. Second, that Canada’s impact will be enhanced if key Canadian institutions and individuals work together in a coordinated and complementary manner. Working with others, Global Canada will help prove in practice the power of a positive whole-of-Canada approach to global engagement and international development through two or three focused “proof point” projects. One specific area of opportunity that has emerged through consultations is increasing the number of Canadians successfully occupying key leadership positions in globally significant organizations (which includes global civil society organizations and foundations). Global Canada has assembled a focused team to work with other Canadian stakeholders on this issue. Global Canada aims to complement, not compete with, existing institutions. A key measure of Global Canada’s success will be its ability to enhance the global performance and reputation of existing Canadian institutions. It will act as a public-policy “smart-grid” linking together the considerable intellectual and implementation power that already exists in the country. Global Canada envisions a constructive, complementary relationship with government. It is a not-for-profit, multistakeholder organization that does not seek funding from government. It is clearly and consistently non-partisan. Global Canada’s strategic intent is is to catalyze an increased global leadership by all stakeholders, enhancing Canada’s global impact and reputation.
