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Profile
Incorporated as a charitable
organization in 2001, CDFAI is an independent “research
institute/think tank” based in Calgary. It pursues new ideas to focus
the national debate and understanding of Canada’s international
policies with the ultimate aim of ensuring a more globally engaged
Canada. CDFAI believes that doing so enhances Canadian security and
prosperity. The organization is dedicated to educating Canadians, and
particularly those who have leadership roles in shaping Canadian
foreign policy, about the importance of Canada always being proactive
in world affairs with tangible diplomatic, military and aid assets.
Through its Fellows program, CDFAI has gathered a group of highly
experienced and talented individuals with defence, diplomacy and
development backgrounds – both academic and practitioners - who
support the organization by authoring research papers and responding
to media queries. CDFAI also runs conferences and courses, initiates
polling, and develops outreach and education projects.
CDFAI was created to address
the ongoing discrepancy between what Canadians need to know about
Canadian international activities and what they do know. Historically,
Canadians tend to think of foreign policy – if they think of it at all
– as a matter of trade and markets. They are largely unaware, however,
of the importance of Canada engaging internationally in the ongoing
struggle to maintain a world that is friendly to the free flow of
goods, services, people and ideas across borders and the promotion of
human rights. Canadians are largely unaware of the connection between
a prosperous and free Canada and a world of globalization and liberal
internationalism. As a trading nation, 38% of Canada’s GDP comes from
international trade and 84% of exports are traded with the USA. When
the world economy is constrained for whatever reason, Canada feels the
pinch. It is, therefore, important for Canada to strive for a world
that is safe, politically stable and prosperous.
CDFAI believes that Canada is
a nation with significant international potential. The world is
changing quickly and not necessarily for the better; therefore, new
thinking is required to face new challenges. CDFAI is an independent
organization drawing on the best talent from both academia and the
“real” world to provide rigorous analysis of, and workable ideas for,
Canada’s international involvement.
Corporate Structure
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Board of Directors –
Six directors focus on governance and stewardship.
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Advisory Council – Ten
advisors provide feedback on current and future programs.
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Staff of Four - President,
Director of Programs, Program Coordinator and Administrative
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Assistant.
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Fellows and Consultants – 35
Fellows (and retained consultants where necessary) prepare all
research papers, courses, editorial review, and do media contact.
Evaluation
Each of CDFAI’s projects is
developed to bring attention to pressing defence and foreign policy
issues With the ultimate aim of strengthening Canada’s international
role. These projects not only analyze the issues but also offer
solutions. By publishing the results of these research projects, CDFAI
provides policymakers information to carry out policy formulation and
administration in a more informed manner. It also allows interested
Canadians to become more knowledgeable. CDFAI is making a difference
and although it cannot take credit alone, it was one of the first
organizations to recommend a change away from values-based
international rhetoric to investing in assets to help solve
international problems. Both the recent Liberal and now the
Conservative Government are beginning to do just that.
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