OTTAWA — Former Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion has emphasized the need for Canada to significantly increase staffing at its embassies in Europe. He advocates for establishing deadlines to ensure the prompt implementation of various agreements signed between Canada and the European Union (EU). His comments have surfaced in the wake of statements by Canada’s former military chief, who urged the government to halt cuts to diplomatic staff to augment defense spending.

Dion remarked before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, "These agreements and partnerships must not remain on paper. They must be fully implemented." He stressed the necessity for action across Ottawa, Brussels, and other European capitals to turn commitments into tangible results.

As Canada's ambassador to France until January and a special envoy for Europe, Dion highlighted the importance of appointing a personal envoy to the EU, a move initiated by Prime Minister Mark Carney. This envoy would oversee the myriad agreements Canada has established within defense, trade, and research sectors, echoing a similar approach by Brussels. He pointed out the need for public accountability in the implementation of these agreements, suggesting that each should have a designated point person, one from Canada and one from Europe, each responsible for achieving specific goals and meeting deadlines.

Noting that Canadian businesses have not fully explored the potential of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU, which took effect in 2017, Dion advised employing two senior officials for each signed agreement to ensure thorough oversight.

He argued for a critical expansion of Canada's diplomatic presence in Europe, claiming that Canada’s diplomatic resources are underdeveloped compared to its G7 counterparts. Dion testified that the Canadian government is disproportionately reducing positions abroad, cutting rotational posts at three times the rate of those based in Canada. He urged the government to focus on cuts at headquarters instead of overseas missions.

In a related discussion before a University of Ottawa panel, former Chief of Defence Staff Wayne Eyre echoed Dion’s advocacy for hiring more diplomats. He stated, "We have to engage diplomatically to form those deep regional and country-specific knowledge and relationships." Eyre contended that reducing the diplomatic presence would hinder, rather than enhance, Canada's international relations.

Dion also addressed the controversial idea of Canada joining the EU, labeling it a "false good idea." He pointed out that some EU member states have yet to fully ratify the 2017 trade agreement and noted that joining the EU would require Canada to relinquish a measure of sovereignty to Brussels, sparking debates over the representation of provinces within the EU framework. "Canadians will not accept this loss of sovereignty," Dion declared, adding that any such move would necessitate constitutional amendments.

Furthermore, Geneviève Tuts, the EU ambassador to Canada, emphasized that the EU only considers members located within Europe. Achim Hurrelmann, Co-Director of the Centre for European Studies at Carleton University, warned that discussions on Canada’s EU membership could distract from essential work aimed at improving bilateral relations, urging Canadian policymakers to concentrate on actionable steps to enhance Canada-EU ties.

Dion suggested that rather than pursuing EU membership, Canada should aim to join the European Political Community, which serves as a strategic forum for addressing urgent issues like the war in Ukraine and various economic challenges. He also recommended that the federal government work towards making Canada eligible for funding under a new EU research initiative set to replace the Horizon partnership next year.

Moreover, Tuts encouraged Canada to reassess policies that, according to her, undermine the rules-based trading order established by CETA. She highlighted concerns over "Buy Canadian" initiatives and tariffs on certain imports, which could create uncertainties for EU businesses operating within Canada.

— With files from Kyle Duggan