Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Canada at the Nuclear Security Summit
On April 12 and 13, President Barack Obama hosted a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, that brought together representatives from 47 countries, including all G8 and G20 members, to exchange views on the threat of nuclear terrorism and the pressing need to further develop and implement an internationally coordinated effort to enhance nuclear security worldwide. Aside from the remarkable common understanding that was reached regarding more effective international cooperation to combat the threat of nuclear terrorism and the unanimous commitments to strengthen the security of nuclear materials (see the Communiqué), Canada’s participation at the Summit, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, produced a number of “side” agreements going forward that will serve the cause of enhancing North American, indeed global, nuclear security.
Among these was a nuclear cooperation project with the United States to further secure inventories of spent highly enriched uranium and a trilateral agreement with Mexico and the US to work towards establishing a new low-enriched uranium-fueled reactor in support of Mexico’s nuclear energy development (see stories below).
In addition, as part of its leadership in the G8’s Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, launched at the 2002 Kananaskis Summit (in Kananaskis, Alberta), Canada has expanded its nuclear security activities with several new initiatives (see sidebar).
“Canada will continue to work with countries through the Global Partnership to enhance nuclear security at their facilities and comply with international standards,” said Prime Minister Harper at the conclusion of the Summit. “This Summit, along with the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in May, and our G8 Summit in Muskoka in June, will create the further momentum to protecting the world from nuclear terrorism.”
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama last month at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC.
A Canada-US Nuclear Cooperation Project on Spent Highly Enriched Uranium is Announced
On April 12, the first day of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada and the US will work together to return spent inventories of highly enriched uranium (HEU), currently being held at the Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario, to facilities in the US where they will be converted into a form unusable in nuclear weapons.
“Canada is actively participating in international efforts to help ensure that nuclear weapons materials do not fall into the hands of terrorists,” the PM said. “This project will return highly enriched uranium ‘spent fuel’ inventories to the US and will result in significant cost savings to Canada over time.”
The project, which will be implemented between 2010 and 2018, is part of the broader international efforts promoted at the Nuclear Security Summit to consolidate fresh and spent HEU at a smaller number of very secure locations. These efforts have resulted in several countries returning fresh and spent HEU to original suppliers – principally the US and Russia – as well as the consolidation of HEU inventories.
Canada remains a leader in promoting domestic and international nuclear security measures, and all nuclear material in Canada is safely and securely stored consistent with domestic policy, legislation, and regulations as well as international standards and obligations.
This new joint Canada-US project addresses the Government of Canada’s commitment, as outlined in the March 2010 Speech from the Throne, to support President Obama’s nuclear security goals, including participating fully in achieving the common goals reached at April’s Nuclear Security Summit.
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Prime Minister Harper announces details of trilateral agreement at last month’s Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC.
Trilateral Nuclear Security Agreement between Mexico, the US, and Canada is Announced
Canada, Mexico, and the United States reached agreement at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, last month to work together, along with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to convert the fuel in Mexico’s research reactor. “With this kind of cooperation with the IAEA and our North American partners, we definitely contribute to reducing the risks associated with illicit trafficking of nuclear materials,” said Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon.
The three North American partners acknowledged that this project also provides an important step towards the replacement of Mexico’s research reactor (a nuclear reactor that serves primarily as a neutron source, as opposed to a power reactor, which is used for electricity production) with a new low-enriched uranium-fueled reactor in support of the country’s nuclear energy development.
The conversion of the reactor’s use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) to low-enriched uranium fuel will enable the elimination of all the remaining HEU from Mexico. This effort, a specific outcome of the Nuclear Security Summit, will be completed under the auspices of the IAEA and will further strengthen nuclear security on the North American continent.
“I welcome this critical step forward, which is a signal of our strong trilateral partnership and our shared commitment to nuclear security in North America,” President Obama said. Prime Minister Harper added that “this nuclear security project demonstrates that collective action can deliver concrete results.”
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Government of Canada Commits Additional CF Personnel to Train Afghan National Security Forces
While in Kabul last month, National Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced that the Government of Canada is committing up to 90 additional personnel, primarily to support the training of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Of this increase in personnel, most of it will augment the NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan (NTM-A), while the remainder will provide increased support within Joint Task Force Afghanistan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters, until the end of Canada’s mission in 2011.
“The Government of Canada is proud to contribute additional Canadian Forces personnel to prepare Afghans [to] build a stable, strong, and peaceful nation, which they deserve,” said Minister MacKay. “This increased role showcases the professionalism of the Canadian Forces as mentors and trainers to our Afghan allies.”
The Canadian Forces (CF) contribution to training programs supports the Government of Canada’s six key priorities in Afghanistan, notably building ANSF capacity to take on increased responsibility in operations as the CF prepares for the drawdown of the military mission in 2011. With this initiative, the Government continues to lay the groundwork for a more secure environment by providing the support necessary to ensure Afghans have the capacity, training, and capability to assume responsibility for their own security.
Canada and some 60 other nations and international organizations are in Afghanistan at the request of the democratically elected Afghan government and as part of a UN-mandated, NATO-led mission. There are currently 2,830 CF personnel deployed in Afghanistan.
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Left to right: Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut, National Defence Minister Peter Mackay, and Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walter Natynczyk at the closing ceremonies of Operation NUNALIVUT 10.
Canadian Forces High Arctic Operation Concludes
National Defence Minister Peter MacKay participated late last month in the closing ceremonies for Operation NUNALIVUT 10, the Canadian Forces’ annual exercise in the high Arctic. The year’s first Arctic operation featured the first-ever landing of a CC-177 Globemaster at Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert, and concurrent training between the Arctic Response Company Group and the Canadian Rangers, who conducted their patrols further north than ever before.
“The Canadian Forces successfully achieved their aim of demonstrating and improving upon their capabilities to respond to safety and security challenges in our Arctic,” said Minister MacKay.
A Canadian Forces CC-177 Globemaster III rests on the tarmac at Canadian Forces Station Alert during Operation NUNALIVUT 10. Photo: Corporal Shilo Adamson.
During Operation NUNALIVUT 10 (“Nunalivut” is Inuktitut for “land that is ours”), the Canadian Forces demonstrated the ability to operate in the most challenging and austere conditions in Canada. This major joint operation was conducted in Canada’s high Arctic, along the northernmost tip of Ellesmere Island, in the vicinity of CFS Alert, Ward Hunt Island, Alert Point, and out onto the Arctic Ocean.
The operation also saw 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group establish an ice camp 56 miles north of CFS Alert. Establishing the ice camp on sea ice allowed the Canadian Rangers the opportunity to extend their patrol range, to gain experience in setting up a patrol base on the ice, and to conduct trials of new equipment.
“The Canadian Rangers are ambassadors of the North,” said Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut, who presided over the operation’s closing ceremonies. “I am very proud of the reconnaissance and surveillance patrols the Rangers have undertaken throughout the high Arctic region during Operation NUNALIVUT 10.”
Some of the other accomplishments achieved during the operation included the first underwater dive (by the Combined Dive Team) in the high Arctic and longest sustained ice dive operation in Canadian Forces history. In addition, for the first time in the Arctic, a portion of the Arctic Response Company Group conducted concurrent training with the Canadian Rangers, while a team of nine regular and reserve Signallers tested a new series of Iridium high frequency and satellite communication systems.
“The Canadian Forces are constantly developing, training, and perfecting their capabilities,” said Chief of the Defence Starr, General Walt Natyncyk. “That is why we conduct Operation NUNALIVUT 10 and other training operations throughout Canada. The Arctic presents a challenging environment. It is as essential to develop the expertise required to effectively operate this far north as it is to operate in international theaters such as Afghanistan.”
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Canada Makes Historic Progress on Agriculture Partnerships in China
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz last month announced historic agricultural partnerships between Canada and China. Canadian pulse producers led the way with initiatives that will increase the value of Canadian pulse exports to China to an estimated total of $500 million. (Pulse crops are a group of 60 grain legume crops that include peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans.) Minister Ritz made the announcement following an agricultural trade mission to Beijing and Inner Mongolia where he and Canadian farm leaders worked together to strengthen export opportunities for Canadian pulse crops, canola, beef, grain, and hogs.
“Fifty years ago, Canadian farmers made history by delivering huge shipments of wheat to answer an urgent call for food in China and we are proud of the close partnership we have with China that remains strong today,” said Minister Ritz. “We’re making history again as China continues to lead the world by striving to make its food supply more nutritious, and Canadian producers are stepping up with innovative new techniques and products to answer that call.”
Canadian pulse exports to China are projected to expand rapidly based on three factors. First, China agreed to remove import restrictions on Canadian peas after joint research demonstrated that there is no health risk associated with the naturally occurring selenium present in peas. Second, Pulse Canada and the Chinese Cereals and Oils Association signed a memorandum of agreement to increase the nutritional benefits of staple Chinese foods by adding pulse ingredients. Third, the Government of Canada will invest more than $1 million to help Pulse Canada and their partners build Canada’s research and processing capacity to produce pulse flours and pulse-based ingredients that can be used in Chinese products.
“Something as simple as finding a way to add a teaspoon of pea flour to a Chinese dumpling will mean tremendous opportunities for Canadian pulse producers and healthier meals for Chinese families,” said Minister Ritz.
According to industry estimates and overwhelming interest from Chinese buyers, Pulse Canada projects that, due to these new factors, pulse exports to China could increase to $500 million from the current value of $100 million.
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The Prime Minister signs a book of condolences honoring the Polish victims of the April 10 plane crash.
Cloud of Volcanic Ash Disrupts PM’s Plans to Attend State Funeral for Polish President Kaczynski
The unprecedented air traffic cancelations caused by a massive cloud of volcanic ash billowing from Iceland left many world leaders with no option but to cancel plans to attend the state funeral of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, who died in a plane crash on April 10. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was one such leader: Canada was represented at the funeral by Dan Costello, its Ambassador to Poland.
US President Barack Obama, whose plans to attend the funeral were also disrupted, was represented at the funeral by US Ambassador to Poland Lee Feinstein. The President issued a statement of regret at not being able to attend, stating that, “President Kaczynski was a patriot and close ally of the United States, as were those who died alongside him, and the American people will never forget the lives they led.”
Prime Minister Harper issued a statement on the day of the crash, which not only took President Kaczynski’s life but also that of his wife and many senior Polish political, military, and civil society leaders. “President Lech Kaczynski was a man who stood proudly and defiantly for democracy and human rights through even the most difficult times,” said the PM. “His sudden passing is a great loss for his country and for his many friends here in Canada, particularly within the Polish-Canadian community. On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I wish to express my deepest sympathy, and my sincere condolences, to the Government and people of Poland on this very sad day.”
On April 11, he signed a book of condolences at the Polish Embassy in Ottawa: the book honors the victims of the April 10 plane crash. In addition, the PM paid tribute to the memory of crash victims by making April 15 a National Day of Mourning in Canada.
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Industry Minister Meets With US and Mexican Counterparts to Discuss Innovation, Clean Energy, and Job Growth
Industry Minister Tony Clement last month concluded a three-day trip to California during which he met with his American and Mexican counterparts to explore new avenues for trilateral growth and cooperation, specifically in the areas of innovation, job growth, and economic recovery.
Left to right: Minister of Industry Tony Clement; US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke; Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Gerardo Ruiz Mateos.
While stateside, Minister Clement gave a keynote address at the North American Competitiveness, Innovation & Clean Energy Conference 2010 in San Diego alongside US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Gerardo Ruiz Mateos.
“The focus of this conference was strengthening the ties among our three nations, advancing innovation, driving competitiveness, and ensuring a sustainable future for our children and our children’s children,” said Minister Clement. “I look forward to working with my partners in Mexico and the United States to address the challenges that lie ahead of us and to spur innovations that will create jobs and growth across North America.”
The tri-national conference also examined topics such as a transition to a low-carbon economy, a 21st-century green energy workforce, innovative supply chains, and improved capacity and border efficiency through enhanced infrastructure.
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Environment Minister Jim Prentice.
Canada and the United States Announce Common Standards for Regulating GHG Emissions from New Vehicles
The Government of Canada last month released tough new proposed regulations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new vehicles, regulations which would harmonize with the mandatory national standards of the United States beginning with the 2011 model year. The release of the proposed Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations is the next step in a process that was announced by Environment Minister Jim Prentice in April 2009.
“Since last May, we’ve been working with the United States to put in place tough North American standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles,” said Minister Prentice. “We are pleased to be taking this step to further harmonize our climate change action with the Obama administration – a step that will protect our environment and ensure a level playing field for the automotive industry.”
As a result of the proposed regulations, it is projected that the average GHG emission performance of new vehicles of the 2016 model year will be about 25 percent lower than vehicles sold in Canada in 2008.
Early draft regulations were released in December 2009 for consultations with provinces, territories, and stakeholders. Their views have been taken into account in the development of the newly proposed regulations. Following a 60-day formal public comment period, final regulations are expected to be published in the summer of 2010 and to come into effect for the 2011 model year.
Canada is committed to reducing its GHG emissions 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020, a target which reflects the importance of aligning with US policy. Reducing emissions from new motor vehicles will play an important role in helping to achieve that goal. Cars and light trucks account for approximately 12 percent of Canada’s total GHG emissions.
Canada’s Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decreased
in 2008
Last month’s submission by the Government of Canada of its annual report on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions showed a decrease in Canada’s total emissions for the year 2008. The annual national GHG inventory report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is a summary of data on Canada’s GHG emissions at the national, provincial, and sector levels. “This decrease is a positive step in our action against climate change,” Environment Minister Jim Prentice said, while acknowledging that “there is still work to be done.”
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Minister Oda (center) visits a camp in Léogane, administered by Save the Children.
Canada Announces Additional Funding for Humanitarian Assistance and Key Projects to Support Haiti Action Plan
During her visit to Haiti last month, Minister of International Cooperation Beverley J. Oda announced details of Canadian participation in the Haitian government’s Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti, including support for hospital construction, police training, and support for various humanitarian assistance programs.
In witnessing the devastation and the needs of the Haitian people after the country was hit by a devastating January 12 earthquake, Canada’s commitments and pledge to Haiti are playing a big part in meeting its needs. “I am proud that Canada is responding to Haiti’s immediate needs,” said Minister Oda, “as well as helping to build the future of a new Haiti through the construction of a new hospital and police academy.”
Minister Oda committed Canada to supporting the construction of a provincial hospital in the city of Gonaives as she co-signed a $20 million Memorandum of Understanding with Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive. The hospital is a high priority for the Government of Haiti, and Canada’s contribution represents an important step in rebuilding Gonaives’ main health services, an initiative that is in line with the Haitian Government’s Action Plan.
In addition, Minister Oda announced that Canada is allocating $65.15 million to the Canadian Red Cross Society and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as to UN and non-governmental organizations for humanitarian assistance. These funds are part of the $220-million fund that the Government of Canada established to match, dollar-for-dollar, donations by individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations.
It will result in “humanitarian assistance [that] will help address transitional shelter and rubble removal, water and sanitation, child protection and emergency education, and logistics and coordination of the international response to improve the quality of life of those most in need,” Minister Oda said.
Further Canadian contributions to the country’s rebuilding plan will come in the form of an $18.1-million contribution to the National Police Academy in the city of Ganthier, near Haiti’s capital city of Port-au-Prince. The project will build the infrastructure and provide the equipment needed to train Haitian National Police (HNP) inspectors and commissioners.
Alongside the construction and equipment project, Canada is also committing $16.5 million to the actual initial training and professional development of HNP senior officers. Inspectors and commissioners will receive management training, enabling the HNP to become more capable of ensuring the safety of the Haitian people.
During her visit to Haiti, Minister Oda met with President René Préval, Prime Minister Bellerive, and other members of the Haitian Government, as well as with representatives of the international community.
“Canadians are making a real difference in Haiti, and today’s announcement is further testimony of Canada’s strong commitment to the special relationship between our two countries,” said Prime Minister Bellerive. “The Government of Haiti is grateful for Canada’s support and efforts in responding to various social needs and improving the situation of the most vulnerable people of my country.”
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Transport Canada Restores Carry-On Bag Allowance for US-Bound Flights
Transport Minister John Baird last month announced that effective Thursday, April 8, airline passengers who traveling to the United States from Canada would be permitted to bring two carry-on bags and personal items on board. Following the December 25, 2009, security incident on Northwest Flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit, Canada had initiated restrictions of one carry-on bag per traveler.
“The Government of Canada is unwavering in [its] commitment to implement the most effective measures possible for a safe and secure aviation system, while upholding a level of comfort and convenience for air travelers,” Minister Baird said. “With more robust air security measures in place for passengers, we are able to remove the temporary carry-on baggage restrictions put into place [in January].”
In addition, the Government of Canada announced new measures to bolster Canada’s aviation system, including the introduction of new full body scanners, the strengthening of explosive trace detection, the intention to develop a passenger behavior observation program, and new funding to enhance aviation security in Budget 2010.
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