Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in Canada’s foreign policy, as he seeks to strengthen trade and investment ties with the kingdom. This comes after years of strained relations following Canada’s condemnation of human rights abuses and the notorious murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Carney’s approach, prioritising pragmatism over past criticisms, has sparked debate within political circles about the implications of such a stance.
A Historic Visit
In a notable move, Carney became the first Canadian prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia in 26 years, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. The two leaders established the Canada-Saudi Arabia Co-ordination Council, aimed at enhancing collaboration in key sectors including defence and trade. Carney explained his vision for diversifying Canada’s economic partnerships to reduce reliance on the United States, stating, “Engagement is not endorsement,” clarifying that fostering business relationships doesn’t imply agreement with every aspect of a nation’s policies.
The prime minister underscored the importance of practical diplomacy, suggesting that “lecturing countries from afar is an ineffective strategy,” a sentiment that seems to signal a departure from the more confrontational approach of his predecessor.
Strengthening Economic Ties
During his visit, Carney announced the reinstatement of the defence attaché role at the Canadian embassy in Riyadh, and expressed optimism about signing a foreign investment protection agreement by 2027. This treaty is designed to create legally binding guidelines for investor treatment, thus encouraging Canadian and Saudi investments in each other’s economies.
Furthermore, Carney revealed that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Pension Investment Fund, are set to attend the upcoming Canada Investment Summit in Toronto. In parallel, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is expected to lead a delegation of Canadian pension fund representatives to Saudi Arabia to explore new investment avenues.
A Controversial Shift
The response to Carney’s new direction has not been universally favourable. Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy expressed discomfort with what he perceives as a “transactional” approach to foreign policy, cautioning that Carney is not only distancing himself from Justin Trudeau’s legacy but also undermining longstanding Liberal principles. Axworthy, who has been a party member since his youth, articulated concerns about the implications of abandoning a principled stance in favour of economic pragmatism.
The backdrop of this diplomatic thaw is a complicated history, particularly following the diplomatic rift triggered in 2018 when Saudi Arabia expelled Canada’s ambassador after Ottawa’s calls for the release of imprisoned activists. This incident, coupled with the outrage surrounding Khashoggi’s murder, has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many who advocate for human rights.
Engaging Amidst Controversies
Carney did acknowledge the importance of human rights in his discussions, although he refrained from disclosing specific details about his conversations with Saudi leaders on the matter. Critics, including Axworthy, question whether pressing issues such as women’s rights and political dissent were adequately addressed. The lack of a clearly articulated foreign policy from Carney has raised eyebrows, as many await a comprehensive framework guiding Canada’s international engagements.
While Carney’s administration insists that diplomatic dialogue is crucial for fostering positive change, the absence of a definitive stance on critical issues leaves room for scepticism. His assertion that effective engagement with foreign leaders can yield results is met with wariness, particularly given the historical context of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Why it Matters
Carney’s pivot towards a more pragmatic foreign policy reflects a broader trend in international relations, where economic necessity often outweighs moral considerations. As Canada seeks to diversify its trade partnerships beyond its traditional ally, the United States, the implications of rekindling ties with a controversial regime are profound. This approach raises essential questions about the balance between economic interests and ethical responsibilities in foreign policy, a debate that will likely shape Canada’s international standing in the years to come.
