The International Dimension of Canadian Federalism

• Author: Kathy L. Brock/Geoffrey Hale
• Pages: 153-164

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The International Dimension of

Canadian Federalism

Introduction

Traditional ideas of international relations are often based on unitary

concepts of sovereignty and single-point diplomacy. National gov-

ernments, as successors to the centralized monarchies and princely

states of previous centuries, typically manage relations with other

countries through the prism of the national interest, including but

not limited to major risks to national security and, to some extent,

national unity. e def‌inition and applications of these concepts

ref‌lect the priorities, interests, and values of senior political leaders,

their public service advisers, and major societal i nterests. Diplomatic

and security relations are carried out through the prime minister and

senior ministers, advised and aided by a permanent sta of senior

political advisers, diplomats, and military/security professionals.

Parts of this picture have shaped Canada’s relations with Great

Britain, the United States, and other countries since it began to

emerge as a distinct entity within the British Empire in the early

twentieth century. Large elements of foreign and security policies

have been managed from the federal Prime Minister’s Oce, the

Privy Council Oce, and the Department of External Aairs (now

Global Aairs Canada).