Private member looks at defence policy.

• Author: Assadourian, Sarkis

During the Cold War, Canada maintained a strong commitment to the Western Alliance. Defence spending was defined by commitments to NATO and NORAD in Europe and North America. These military alliances were justified on the basis of national security. Also, the bipolar nature of the international system intensified the need for organisations such as NATO and NORAD. The bipolar system was characterised by the dominance of two superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. With the Soviet Union's feared military arsenal, Canada needed to be protected. Thus, NATO and NORAD, reflected the security predicaments in a bipolar world. These military commitments continue to provide the security needs of Canada.

Today the prosepcts of Canada entering into a conflict with a major superpower seem unlikely, but, threats to global security still exist. Former US President, George Bush, coined the now popular phrase, `New World Order, to describe an invigorated world without superpower confrontation, where prospects for international co-operation are greater. However, conflicts between nations and humanitarian disasters indicate that problems have not simply disappeared with the end of the Cold War. As a member of the international community, Canada has chosen to respond to these new challenges.

Canada's Recent Contributions To Global Security

The following three examples illustrate Canada's recent contributions to global security.

* Rwanda: In the last year, the people of Rwanda have been subject to incredible human suffering. The initial response from the international community was slow, however, assistance was eventually provided. Canada, upholding its international responsibilities has sent humanitarian aid to the ravaged country. Canadian peacekeeping forces ensure the safe repatriation of people from Zaire to Rwanda; also they are responsible for providing food, water and agricultural tools to Rwandans returning home. Canada's aid contribution has included over 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies sent to Rwanda since April 1994. Also, during the civil war, Canadian CC-130 Hercules planes were the only aircraft flying into the capital, Kigali; keeping open an essential lifeline into the country. The Canadian Armed Forces transported humanitarian supplies and donations gathered by various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and co-ordinated by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

* Haiti: Canada has played a key role in...