Canadian Peacekeeping

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Throughout its history, Canada has been associated with peacekeeping and its peacekeeping efforts on an international scale. Many refer to Canada’s military as “international police” for their peace-generated operations worldwide. Canada has reinforced this reputation through its post-war actions. There is no doubt that Canada is a peacekeeping nation. Whether it be aiding refugees, assisting the United Nations (or NATO) in peace operations or devoting resources in rebuilding war-torn areas.

Canada is notorious for opening its borders for refugees fleeing their homeland in search of asylum. Canada has been committed to aiding asylum seekers throughout its history, especially in the recent, post-war era. In 1953, leading up to Hungary’s uprising
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Canada's participation alongside the international community in these engagements has become systemic. The Bosnian war is a prime example of a conflict that required the UN to call upon Canada for support. Although Canada had no legitimate incentive to participate, Canada deployed 2,000 troops and curbed violence to initiate a peace treaty. In addition, Canada’s involvement in the Suez Crisis demonstrated its benevolent rational in foreign conflicts. Canada’s foreign affairs minister at the time, Lester B. Pearson, went into a conflict that was threatening to divide western allies and potentially initiate WWII. He managed to de-escalate the situation as a part of the United Nation’s first ever large-scale peacekeeping force and eventually earned a Nobel Peace prize for his actions. This operation in particular conveys how dependant the international community is on Canada when it comes to conducting effective peaceful operations. To conclude, the United Nations (amongst other international organizations) is dependent on Canada’s influence in ensuring peace in foreign conflicts, which is also evident in the resources Canada commit towards re-building war torn …show more content…
Despite Canada’s initial aggressive role in Afghanistan, the federal government attempted to create peace through the devotion of resources. Subsequent to Canada’s eradication in Afghanistan, the federal government proposed $465 million to help humanitarian causes and to help secure the war-torn nation. This reveals how Canada is committed to helping nations in need, rather than manipulating them for their resources (such as oil). Since the 1950’s, Canada has dished out over $5.67 billion in foreign aid (2.5 percent of federal spending). In comparison to its annual military budget, Canada’s foreign aid spending is at roughly 33%, which is very generous in comparison to other nation. This proves how committed Canada is to keeping peace as our budget is balanced to aid other countries financially, instead of using those funds to develop our nation's military. In short, Canada generously provides financial support to nations that require it the most in order to allow the nation to rebuild itself, making it more peaceful and secure as a