In comparing the past two federal governments and their leadership, one could describe their foreign policy positions as radically different. From Stephen Harper’s hard-power, “boots-on-the-ground” machismo, and his repugnance for international rostrums to Justin Trudeau’s reigniting of Canada’s commitment to multilateralism, focusing on soft-power initiatives, peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance, Canada’s foreign policy stances have fundamentally shifted.
Harper’s foreign policy stance can best be described as “economic diplomacy.” Whether through tax cuts or fiscal austerity, Harper sought to establish a strong Canadian economy, pursuing debt-reduction policies to resist spending his way out of recession. This economic/dollar diplomacy
