Address by Minister Dion to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Ministerial Council

December 8, 2016 - Hamburg, Germany

Check against delivery. This speech has been translated in accordance with the Government of Canada’s official languages policy and edited for posting and distribution in accordance with its communications policy.

We meet once again in uncertain times, when global and regional security are threatened. I will focus on four major issues for Canada: the fundamental principle of territorial integrity, conventional arms control, human rights and respect for diversity.

First, the sanctity of territorial integrity is the most fundamental principle underpinning the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe [OSCE]. In this regard, we must resolutely oppose recent attempts to redraw European borders by force, in clear violation of international law and the Helsinki Final Act.

I firmly reiterate that Canada does not and will not recognize the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, an integral part of Ukrainian territory. Resolving the crisis in Ukraine and continued Canadian support for the implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties and for the Special Monitoring Mission remain top priorities and should continue to be a key focus of the OSCE.

Second, arms control, transparency and confidence-building are the insurance policy for European security. For this reason, we regret Russia’s disengagement from full implementation of the existing arms control agreements, particularly its suspension of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.

For decades, these instruments have been key factors in the maintenance of stability despite profound shifts in the European strategic environment. While in need of updating, the existing framework—the Vienna Document, the Treaty on Open Skies and the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe—has shaped relations among states by providing predictability and transparency in military holdings and activity in Europe.

Regarding the idea of a structured dialogue at the OSCE aimed at addressing current security challenges and realities, including conventional arms control, Canada supports this idea insofar as the dialogue is built on the existing foundation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, the Vienna Document and the Treaty on Open Skies. Respect for previous arms control commitments is especially important to providing the trust and confidence that are necessary to find new solutions. A first step would be to discuss threat perceptions amongst OSCE participating states.

Third, our shared commitment to human rights and democratic principles is the glue that holds us together. In this regard, Canada is concerned by the harmful conduct we are seeing within the OSCE region.

That is why I am pleased to indicate that, as part of Canada’s global engagement to advance universal human rights, including the rights of women; minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people; and other vulnerable populations, we are actively working with the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to develop a package of concrete financial support for the Office’s work to support our comprehensive security.

Canada also lends its full support to the German chairmanship’s efforts to have the OSCE adopt the working definition of anti-Semitism brought forth at the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and supported by its members. I encourage my colleagues here to support this definition, particularly in light of the horrible acts of anti-Semitism that continue to occur around the world.

Finally, I want to speak briefly on diversity and inclusion. In a period when the winds of mistrust, fear and even xenophobia are blowing over our region, we must remain faithful to these shared principles. In the Canadian experience, diversity is a source of strength, not weakness.

When all citizens feel they have a voice and can engage in democratic decision making, when they feel they can contribute to the civic, economic and cultural life of their community and country, the result is a society that is more comfortable with itself, a society less vulnerable to the establishment of extremism and thus, ultimately, a society that is more secure.

In closing, Canada warmly thanks Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German chairperson-in-office, and his team for having led us through challenging discussions, and we look forward to working with the Austrian chairmanship to continue the protection and betterment of our shared principles and commitments to make the OSCE region a safer and more secure place for all.

Thank you.

Contacts

Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca 

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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