bout de papier, Vol. 15, No. 1 (1998) — Spring 1998 // Printemps 1998, p. 2
The winter issue of bout went to press just as the Land Mines Conference was moving into fulfilment at the beginning of December. PAFSO members had a glimpse of what went on behind the scenes leading up to this historic event when Jody Williams, Nobel Laureate and Co-ordinator of the International Campaign to Ban Land Mines, addressed a PAFSO Professional Committee Breakfast Seminar during her earlier visit in November. Ms. Williams graciously agreed to bout’s request to publish her comments and those of Steve Goose for the reading pleasure of all. They were equally generous in acknowledging the overall support of the Canadian government as well as the contributions of some of our colleagues in assisting the International Campaign to achieve its goal. Indeed, one is tempted to say that not since the days of Mike Pearson and the creation of the UNEF have Canadian diplomats played such a public role in such a worthy mission. Whether or not you agree — and debate is welcome — Ms. Williams’ commentary provides us with a picture of how they pulled the first phase together, and what remains to be done.
The International Campaign amply illustrates the theory of the future of diplomacy as developed by John Kneale in “Diplomatic Language” ’, which we would all do well to note for our prospective careers. Whether they be the Rio or Kyoto Conferences on the environment, the Land Mines Conference, GATT or even working with domestic NGO organisations in the identification or resettlement of refugees from abroad, as some have suggested, times and practices are changing and we should also if we wish to remain players and not merely bystanders.
Our commentaries this issue also reflect, in a different way, the changing role of diplomacy during the last quarter of this century. Peter Roberts’ thoughtful tribute to Charles Taylor takes the reader back to the “us versus them” days of the Cold War, when international correspondents and diplomats worked together to get the story out either in the press or in classified messages. Reading this, I was reminded of Saturday afternoons in a certain restaurant in a certain East European capital… Marie Stamp’s description of the Canadian Women’s International Business Initiative, with its tongue-in-cheek subtitle, challenges other missions to organise similar ventures and capitalise on this under-developed opportunity for trade promotion. Scarves rather than ties, brooches rather than cuff-links, colours other than grey, black and navy and impressive stats to top it off. Think about it.
2 bout de papier Vol.
The literary talent of Canada’s foreign service, usually hidden away until retirement provides time and freedom to write, appears in this issue from the pen of CIC’s David Manicom via excerpts from his collection of short stories, Ice in Dark Water, and poetry anthology, The Older Graces. Last year David received the Prix Parizeau, Mordecai Richler’s literary prize for non-francophone writers in Quebec. bout is honoured to share David’s poetry and prose with our audience, and wish him continued inspiration.
We cover no less than three continents in our vignettes of foreign service life this issue. Bill Bottomley’s Travels of Devotion in Haiti, with its tale of potholes, black rocks and raging river all in name of religious experience contrast sharply with the studious atmosphere of David Malone’s Under the Dreaming Spires…a baby boomer’s return to academia in the English world’s historical centre of learning, Oxford. Both of which are offset by Vaughn Lantz’s Camel Trekking in Arabia where a couple of young Canadian foreign service types embark on a breath-takingly scenic journey through the mountains and deserts of Jordan. That too, is something of a bumpy ride…with no seat belts to fasten.
Gerry Stoner’s Golden Memories takes us back to the life of a young recruit fifty years ago — what was, and wasn’t, expected upon entry to the foreign service. Softball skills and cramped office and living quarters aside it appears that new recruits were vested with more responsibility then than now, and rose to the challenges accordingly.
Before signing off for this issue, I would like to take this opportunity to solicit member input into a future article for bout. Some two years ago a gay member of the foreign service challenged the Department’s refusal to provide allowances for his same sex spouse at the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and won. This was heralded as a landmark ruling at the time. We would like to know what is happening with our gay and lesbian members, and their partners. Is life in the foreign service easier now, or not? Please tell us about your experiences before May 31, 1998. bout Board Member Liza Linklater is the author — she may be contacted via e-mail at DFAIT or through the PAFSO office. Confidentiality, if requested, will be provided.
View the original scanned pages →
Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 15, No. 1 (1998) — Spring 1998 // Printemps 1998, p. 2. Read the rest of this issue →
