Global Affairs Canada eyes taking ‘more risks’ in uncertain world: document
Global News
The foreign affairs department is struggling under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cuts, and now is 'challenging traditional assumptions' about its work.
Global Affairs Canada says it must “challenge traditional assumptions” about its work as the department attempts to navigate a more uncertain world and grapple with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s public service cuts.
A department planning document reviewed by Global News suggests Canada’s foreign affairs department believes it must “take more risks” and rethink what to “focus its energy” on.
“Canada and the world are at a pivotal moment — driven by geopolitical shifts, economic changes, and the rapid evolution of technology. The rules and norms that served as the foundation of Canada’s prosperity and security for decades can no longer be taken for granted,” the document, which lays out Global Affairs Canada’s plans for 2026-27, reads.
“At a time when Canada is facing multiple challenges, the department will have to take more risks and challenge traditional assumptions in its work and on what to focus its energy.”
Risk-taking is not typically associated with the Canadian public service, and especially not with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) — which handles matters such as foreign policy and diplomatic relations, consular services for Canadians abroad, and promoting trade relationships.
While it’s not clear what risks the department intends to take, the pressures GAC faces are apparent.
Roland Paris, the director of the University of Ottawa’s School of Public and International Affairs, said Carney’s ambitious international agenda to build alliances and open up trade is being put at risk by cutting the foreign service.
Paris noted that the line item in the department’s budget for “advancing Canada’s interests and addressing global challenges” is being cut by roughly $400 million over the next two years.
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