Relations with Europe | Canada needs more diplomats, according to Stéphane Dion

(Ottawa) Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Stéphane Dion believes that the federal government must considerably strengthen the staffing of its embassies in Europe in order to follow up on the series of agreements it signed with Brussels.

Mr Dion, a former envoy extraordinary for Europe, says the government’s ambitious plans to build partnerships with the European continent could fail if there are no clear deadlines and specific officials held to account for each deal.

He adds that Canada has fewer diplomats on the continent than other G-7 countries and even than comparable countries with less influence. He urges the Canadian government to focus its cuts in the diplomatic service on staff working at home rather than those based abroad.

Mr. Dion’s comments follow those of the former head of the Canadian armed forces, Wayne Eyre, who said the federal government must stop reducing its diplomatic staff to increase defense spending.

Mr. Dion also rejected the idea of ​​Canada joining the European Union, an issue that has been raised several times in recent months, but which Brussels considers impossible for geographical reasons.

He said EU membership would mean giving up sovereignty and lead to internal conflicts over how provincial officials and interests would be represented in Europe.