The Lisbon treaty will make our jobs as diplomats more complicated
Ross Hornby
Ross Hornby, Canada's ambassador to the EU, spells out his views on everything from the Lisbon treaty to current EU-Canada relations.
How do you view Canada-EU relations?
Our relationship with the EU has taken on a new dynamism over the past few years. We have shown that when we focus on concrete deliverables - Canadian participation in ESDP missions, conclusion of an air services agreement, launching free trade negotiations, to give just three examples -- we can move the relationship beyond diplomatic niceties to real action.
What are the areas where relations can be improved?
Canadians and Europeans need to know each other better. The recent ban on seal products is an example of a measure based on misinformed public opinion and not on the evidence. We can do better on both sides explaining ourselves.
How closely are events in the EU (for example, the Lisbon treaty debate) followed in Canada?
I always say Canadians don't know that much about the EU but they shouldn't feel too badly because Europeans don't know that much about it either.
Given the diversity of our country, linguistically, geographically, ethnically, we do understand complex systems of governance. The Lisbon treaty will make our jobs as diplomats more complicated because power will be more diffuse between the various institutions. Whether we like it our not, we will have to learn the ins and outs of Lisbon.
How important to Canada are the current trade links between Canada and the EU?
The EU is Canada's second largest trading partner after the United States. But we believe the relationship is ‘under-traded’. There is room for improvement, not only in trade in goods and services, but in human and business exchanges. The balance of trade favours the EU, but by liberalising trade Canada will stands to gain significantly.
What is the significance of the FTA negotiations now underway?
The recent launch of negotiations towards a comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA for short) is very significant. Canada and the EU are showing the world that at a time of economic crisis and a reduction in world trade two important trading partners can take steps to increase trade and fight protectionism, through the removal of barriers.
How might a future FTA benefit not just Canada but the EU?
In any successful negotiation, there have to be winners on both sides. Canada and the EU stand to gain greater access to each other’s market, improved regulatory cooperation, greater stimulus to innovation and productivity by removing barriers as much as possible. Our joint study showed that the net gain to the EU will be in the order of approximately €11.6 billion within seven years and total EU exports to Canada are estimated to go up by 24.3 per cent, or €17 billion. In an era, where marginal gains in competitivity are the name of the game, this is significant.
Are there other areas in which you can see the two sides cooperating more closely in the future?
Canada and the European commission, France, the UK, Germany and Italy are members of the G8. We are members of the G20. We cooperate at the United Nations. We work together with European allies at NATO, particularly in Afghanistan.
When you look around at who Europe can partner with, whether it be in Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, the trouble spots of the world, Canada is one of the few candidates. In addition to our annual summit, we have over 20 meetings a year with the council, the commission and European agencies on items ranging from energy and climate change to human rights and crisis management. We are natural partners.
Turning to sporting matters, how well advanced are the preparations for the Winter Olympics; how important is this event to Canada?
The 2010 Winter Olympics and Para-Olympics will take place in Vancouver from February 12 to 28 and March 12 to 21. We are ready to welcome the world. The facilities are either completed or nearing completion.
This will be the first truly green Olympics. It will be the first time Olympic organisers have set targets to offset carbon emissions not only during the 17-day Games period but also since the Games were awarded, during the 27 days of the Olympics and Paralympics and from Games-related air travel. Site disturbance has been kept to a minimum.
To save energy used to refrigerate the bobsleigh track, for example, trees have been retained to cast shade over the track, which has been painted white to minimize heat absorption.
Waste heat from the refrigeration systems will be captured and reused to heat buildings on the site. Aboriginal communities are fully involved in the Games.
The Four Host First Nations are official hosts - the first time in history that Indigenous Peoples have been recognised as full partners in an Olympic and Paralympic Games by the International Olympic Committee. We hope that millions will watch and enjoy the Olympics and see first hand what a great place Canada is to live, work and invest in.
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