Full audio of Minister MacKay's remarks is available for download below:

Peter MacKay discusses Canada's leading role in NATO

Minister MacKay opened the conversation by emphasizing the vital importance of the mission in Afghanistan and reaffirmed Canada's "profound commitment to common security" through the alliance.  He began speaking specifically about some of the challenges in the Kandahar region, citing lack of stability, infrastructure, and absence of rule of law.  Taking a pragmatic approach to the situation in Afghanistan, Minister MacKay focused on three key lessons learned so far. First, success in Afghanistan will require more than military presence. However, it should not be forgotten that the security provided by the military presence is vital to the success of the mission.  Second, the mission will not be successful without a fully integrated global approach to Afghanistan; the Minister insisted that the international community must speak with a unified voice.  Third, NATO must consult with the Afghan people and assist them in building a reliable Afghan security force and a trustworthy justice system that will build confidence in the rule of law.  The Minister expressed encouragement about President Obama's decision to send 17,000 American troops to Afghanistan, but expressed concern that some NATO member countries may expect few allies to shoulder the burden in the mission.  

Minister MacKay also spoke more broadly about Canada's commitment to NATO and his vision for moving the alliance forward.  The Minister outlined a dual approach for the alliance, focusing on both getting back to basics as well as modernization.  On basics, confidence in Article 5 must be restored and NATO members must also embrace consensus voting in Brussels, recalling that it is one of the founding principles of the alliance.  At the same time, MacKay believes NATO should modernize through internal transformation and by strengthening external partnerships.  In terms of internal transformation, the alliance must be agile and ready for rapid deployment within the context of an integrated and comprehensive approach. 

During the question and answer period, Minister MacKay was asked whether NATO had become a two-tier alliance.  While he recognized the challenge of mobilizing political will in certain member countries because of constitutional restrictions, economic pressures or other domestic political constraints, Minister MacKay was clear that it is unacceptable to have a fragmented alliance and that a better balance of responsibilities is required.  When discussing partnerships, the Minister focused on NATO-EU relations as well as NATO-Russia relations.  He spoke of Canadian support for an independent European defense force, and reinforced the need for a clear and productive relationship between the EU and NATO.  Turning to Russia, the minister stated that NATO and Russia can achieve an active and constructive relationship by identifying commonalities, despite serious strains resulting from Moscow's recent assertive behavior.  Most of all, the Minister articulated that the alliance must remain the global security partner of choice, who is there to "protect, project, and deliver."   Other topics included engaging with Pakistan, further NATO expansion, and the selection of the next Secretary General of NATO. 

Minister MacKay also took the opportunity to discuss the continental security of North America.  He spoke of Canada's domestic security challenges as well as its commitment to its closest and most important ally, the United States. Speaking optimistically about the new American administration, the Minister hopes that the international good will generated by the election of Barack Obama can help unite the alliance internally and mobilize the alliance outwardly. That momentum, along with strong leadership from the next Secretary General, can take the alliance into the next generation.