I am increasingly distressed by the limited role that Canada is playing in this event. It is now clear that what is unfolding is immense. Immense not only in its immediate effects but it what it may drive.
It appalls me that we have some middle level officials in Foreign Affairs and CIDA making the calls.
This is an opportunity for Canada to take its place again in the world as the symbol of the modern nation who helps others. It redefines our peacekeeping role and our effort in both world wars
So many of our citizens come from the region. We unlike any other nation can mobilize a support effort that can be lead and staffed by those who understand the local cultures.
I think that we have made a start in finding this new role in Ukraine. One of the best things we did was to appoint a former PM as Chef de Mission. It sends a strong signal.
Please take the lead from the bureaucrats, give the portfolio to a single dynamic leader and ask Canadians for their support. Let us mobilize the energy and intelligence of our diverse country and set a new standard in how to help.
I see a one year enlistment of volunteers who will be supported by Canada who are drawn from the ethnic and religious groups who have been struck. Canada can as a sovereign nation deal with the political, safety and credibility issues on the ground providing an umbrella where work can be done.
The skills will demand a cultural dimension that will exceed any technical skill. I am certain that many Sri Lankan, Thai and Indonesian Canadians want to give more than money. They want to give of themselves. They have already raised more money than Canada has offered. I see other Canadians who have travelled to the region wanting to give something back to the peoples that have welcomed them in happier times.
I see the issue as leadership. So long as we let the officials run this, we will not rise to the challenge. I beg you Mr Martin to see the magnitude of what is unfolding and to see the opportunity for Canada to make a difference.
