C13(b) - Canada in the World
Date: Jun 13 | Time: 01:45pm to 03:15pm | Location: McGill College 2001 735
Chair/Président/Présidente : Andrew Cooper (University of Waterloo)
Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Andrew Cooper (University of Waterloo)
Re-envisioning Canada in Africa: Trudeau’s Security Policy in the Post-Pandemic Era: Edward Akuffo (University of the Fraser Valley)
Abstract: Framed within the context of the August 2022 announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to develop a new Canada Africa Strategy, this paper will discuss the synergies between the deployment of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in support of maritime security, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for peacekeeping operations, including the participation of women in Africa’s hotspots. On the face value, the Trudeau government’s efforts towards the development of a Canada Africa Strategy not only shows the deepening of Canadian interest in Africa, but also raises important questions about strategic goals given the rise of Canadian economic activities especially in the extractive sector in the region. Accordingly, the paper addresses two central questions. Firstly, why is Canada developing a new strategy towards Africa? Secondly, how are Canadian activities in maritime security and peacekeeping linked to support its strategic goals in Africa? The paper will analyse the issues thereof within the context of Canada’s bilateral and multilateral engagements and contributions to addressing multidimensional security threats in Africa.
Common border, common narratives? Analysis of media coverage of four COVID-19 travel measures implemented between the US and Canada: Andréanne Bissonnette (Western Washington University), Jennifer Bettis (Western Washington University)
Abstract: As part of their respective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada and the United States implemented measures applying specifically to international travels. While initially viewed as a temporary measure, enacted for 30 days on March 21, 2020, the closure of the Canada-US border extended for over a year. In addition to the land border closure, travelers were later required to quarantine upon arrival, provide a proof of negative COVID-19 test and of full vaccination to be admitted in the other country. Building on an extensive media analysis of newspapers articles published in both countries, in English, French and Spanish, this paper offers an analysis on how the media covered the implementation and consequences of four travel measures restricting travels between Canada and the US. It first offers a qualitative review of articles published between March 10, 2020, and May 31, 2023, on border closure, quarantine, vaccine and testing requirements. It then delves more specifically in three aspects of media coverage: the mentions of the other country in articles; the focus on specific populations; and the specificities of border communities and coverage by local media along the Canada-US border. Part of a larger research project on the equity of COVID-19 travel measures, this paper contributes to our understanding of media coverage of COVID-related travel measures and how they may influence framing and understanding of these measures, as well as their local impacts.
Fear, hope and disillusion. Rational choice and dynamics of activism of the Tunisian Diaspora in Canada: Pietro Marzo (TELUQ University)
Abstract: Official data estimate the Tunisian diaspora in Canada at around 40,000 individuals, although unofficial sources suggest this number is an underestimation of the Tunisians living permanently in Canada. The Tunisian diaspora is overwhelmingly concentrated in the Canadian francophone province of Quebec. Tunisians started to immigrate to Canada in the decades following the country independence (1956), but the Tunisian diaspora expanded since the 1990s, becoming progressively more visible and active, especially after the 2011 revolution. However, despite its significant presence there are very few research that has investigated the activism of the Tunisian diaspora in Canada and its relationship with homeland politics, both before and after the 2011 revolution. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with Tunisian individuals and activists living permanently in Canada for at least two decades, this paper analyzes pattern of social and political activism of Tunisian diaspora across three recent phases of the country’s contemporary history. First, it explores the activism of the Tunisian community in Canada during the Ben Ali authoritarian regime (1987-2011). Second, the paper examines changes in diaspora activism during the “democratization decade” (2011-2021). Finally, the paper studies the behaviors of the diaspora since 2021, when President Saied seized power and drove Tunisia into an authoritarian path. The paper uses rational choice theory to argue that emotions such as fear, hope and disillusion have affected the activism of Tunisians in Canada, and make sense of diverse levels of involvement and participation in homeland politics during the three different phases analyzed.