James Travers has an op-ed in the Toronto Star with points that bear repeating. As 3 Canadians who were kinapped in Gaza and Bagdad were released this week Travers warns us we have an image that has not caught up to reality.

Back when the first priority was keeping hostile states at arm’s length, this country nestled in a comfortable niche. While firmly in the Western camp, it served a useful — if exaggerated — purpose wearing UN blue helmets and played an eager minor role trying to defuse explosive differences, mostly in the Middle East.

 

That was good for our international reputation and better still for self-esteem. Allies generously overlooked the smugness that lingered long after our peacekeeping missions slid below 30th on the international list and, more justifiably, Canadians had reasons to feel good about a country that was all quiet talk, no big stick.

 

But the world and this country’s place in it have changed. Peacekeeping has given way to peacemaking.

How the US government and military is conducting it’s world affairs in a complex world affects everyone.

Wisely implemented, that change promises significant benefits. Encouraging peace, order and good government has never been more in Canada’s security, economic and, yes, humanitarian interests.

 

There are also clear and present risks. Our distinctiveness is being blurred by increasing operational integration of Canadian and U.S. militaries, shared War on Terrorism braggadocio and a measurable tilt toward taking sides in the Middle East.

 

As pragmatic as that may be for continental defence and domestic politics, it’s also problematic. An inescapable consequence of increased international activity is that more Canadians, not all of them wearing uniforms, carrying guns or working for the government, will stumble into harm’s way.

Travers encourages public leaders to be more candid and more honest about who we need to be instead of relying on past good will.

There is, however, a difference between taking risks and taking thoughtful positions. To distinguish between the two, Canadians need assurances that Ottawa’s foreign policy is not just Washington’s writ small, that joining forces with the U.S. doesn’t mean always doing the same jobs, and that principles, not political expediency, define this country’s international persona.