Canada’s Role in Securing International Waters - Event by Fraser Institute

Canada is of strategic importance, not only for bilateral relations with the United States, but also as a multi-lateral force around the world, at least in security terms.  A little over a month ago, I attended a conference in Kingston-Ontario that was hosted by Queen’s University.  This particular conference  focused on Canada’s military role in the Hemisphere, particularly in Latin America.  The upshot of this conference was that the “education” component should be a high priority for finding real world solutions to challenges posed by asymmetrical threats.  They emphasized the role of civil society in educating the public about threats that are at times  only privy to national security folks.  We commend Queen’s University for taking this sort of initiative, however, they are not the only players in Canada that are trying to educate the public about the non-conventional threats that exist around the world.  In fact, a close ally in the freedom movement - Fraser Institute - who also produces the widely used Economic Freedom Index, is also playing a role in addressing security issues.

Most recently through their upcoming Policy Briefing - “Patrolling for Pirates: Canada’s Role in Securing International Waters” to be held on September 3rd, 2009 at the Fraser Institute Boardroom.  This briefing will be held by Commander Craig Bainse, who is Captain of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) WINNIPEG, who led his crew on many successful missions, including the apprehension and disarmament of pirate ships off the coast of Somalia.  This included foiling the pirate attack on a Norwegian tanker this past April.  If you are near Vancouver, we highly recommend that you stop by to hear first hand accounts of how Canada is taking a leading role in defending the world’s maritime superhighways for the benefit of international trade and the global economy.