No more feminist foreign policy, Carney says – The Globe and Mail

Report on Canadian Foreign Policy Shift and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent statement by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G20 summit in Johannesburg indicates a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy, moving away from the explicitly “feminist” framework of the previous administration. This change has direct implications for Canada’s approach to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 5 (Gender Equality). While the government maintains that gender equality remains an “aspect” of its policy, the de-emphasis of a feminist lens is evident in recent government actions. Concurrently, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to multilateralism and partnerships (SDG 17) and announced new economic engagements in Africa, impacting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Repositioning on Gender Equality (SDG 5)

The government has formally distanced itself from the “feminist foreign policy” label adopted by the previous administration in 2017. This represents a notable change in Canada’s international posture regarding SDG 5.

• Policy Re-characterization: Prime Minister Carney stated that while issues like gender equality are an “aspect” of his government’s foreign policy, he would not describe the overall policy as “feminist.”
• Departure from Precedent: This contrasts sharply with the previous government, which not only championed the policy but also introduced a feminist foreign-aid strategy in 2017. That strategy mandated that at least 95% of Canada’s bilateral foreign aid projects must incorporate the goals of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, a direct implementation of SDG 5 targets.

Indicators of a Policy Shift

1. Ministerial Mandates: Post-election mandate letters issued to cabinet ministers by the Prime Minister did not contain references to feminism or gender equality.
2. Vacant Ambassadorial Post: The position of Canada’s Ambassador on Women, Peace and Security, a role central to advancing gender equality within global peace frameworks (linking SDG 5 and SDG 16), has not been filled since the previous appointee’s term ended.

Commitment to Multilateralism and Partnerships (SDG 17)

Despite challenges to global co-operation, the Prime Minister used the G20 platform to underscore Canada’s commitment to multilateralism, a cornerstone of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Endorsement of G20 Declaration: The Prime Minister highlighted the consensus achieved in the G20’s joint declaration, which was supported by leaders representing three-quarters of the world’s population and included strong references to gender-related issues.
• Strengthening Global Institutions: By championing the summit’s outcome in the face of a U.S. boycott, the government signaled its continued support for international forums as essential mechanisms for addressing global challenges, including climate change and debt relief.

Economic and Trade Engagement in Africa (SDG 8 & SDG 17)

During his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as Prime Minister, Mr. Carney announced initiatives aimed at strengthening economic ties, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17.

• New Bilateral Agreements: Canada is launching talks with South Africa on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) and has completed a nuclear co-operation agreement.
• Continental Engagement: The government plans to engage with the African continental free-trade agreement, indicating a strategy for broader regional partnership.
• Prioritization of Partnerships: The Prime Minister acknowledged that Africa is currently a lower priority for trade and investment than traditional partners, citing a “responsibility to have that highest return.” This prioritization strategy has implications for Canada’s role in fostering inclusive global economic growth and reducing inequalities (SDG 10).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article’s central theme is the Canadian government’s shift away from a “feminist foreign policy.” It explicitly discusses issues like “gender equality,” “empowerment of women and girls,” and “reducing gender-based violence,” which are the core components of SDG 5.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article is set in the context of international diplomacy, focusing on the G20 summit, “multilateralism,” foreign aid, international trade agreements (with South Africa and the African continental free-trade agreement), and foreign investment. These are all key elements of strengthening global partnerships for sustainable development.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The discussion about launching talks for a “Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement,” receiving a “South African trade mission,” and engaging with the “African continental free-trade agreement” directly relates to fostering international trade and investment to promote economic growth.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article mentions that the G20 leaders released a “joint declaration on climate change” and references the U.S. withdrawal from “global climate treaties.” This connects the discussion to the international cooperation required to address climate change.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The emphasis on multilateralism, the G20 summit as an institution for global governance, and the negotiation of international agreements (nuclear co-operation, trade) are relevant to building effective and inclusive institutions at all levels.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 5.2: “Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres…”

  This target is directly referenced when the Prime Minister notes that “reducing gender-based violence” is an “aspect” of his government’s foreign policy.

• Target 5.c: “Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.”

  The entire discussion of Canada’s “feminist foreign policy” and the “feminist foreign-aid strategy” represents a national policy framework aimed at achieving this target. The article discusses both the previous government’s adoption of this policy and the current government’s shift away from it.

• Target 8.a: “Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries…”

  Canada’s engagement with the “African continental free-trade agreement” and its plan to receive a “South African trade mission” are actions that fall under the umbrella of Aid for Trade, which aims to help developing countries build trade capacity.

• Target 13.a: “Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change…”

  The reference to the “G20 leaders release declaration on climate change” and the mention of “global climate treaties” point to the international commitments and frameworks that constitute this target.

• Target 16.8: “Broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance.”

  The article highlights that the G20 summit was held on “African soil” for the first time, hosted by South Africa, and that “dozens of leaders from outside the G20” were invited to attend. This is a direct example of broadening participation in global governance.

• Target 17.10: “Promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system…”

  The launch of talks for a “Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement” and discussions about engaging with the “African continental free-trade agreement” are steps toward strengthening the multilateral trading system.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator related to Target 5.c: The article provides a very specific and measurable indicator from the previous government’s policy: “at least 95 per cent of Canada’s bilateral foreign aid projects would include the goals of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.” This percentage serves as a direct indicator for tracking financial allocations toward gender equality, which aligns with the official SDG indicator 5.c.1 (Proportion of countries with systems to track and make public allocations for gender equality and women’s empowerment).
• Indicator related to Target 17.10: The article implies progress can be measured by the establishment of new trade and investment agreements. The announcement that Canada is “launching talks with South Africa on a potential Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement” and has “completed negotiations on a nuclear co-operation agreement” are process indicators showing movement toward strengthening international partnerships and trade systems.
• Indicator related to Target 16.8: The article implies an indicator for participation in global governance by noting the number of leaders present at the G20 summit. The Prime Minister states, “I believe we had 62 leaders around that table,” which quantifies the level of engagement and inclusivity at the event.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: theglobeandmail.com