CanadaPosition Paper

2019 ESMOAS Summit of the Americas

CanadaPosition Paper for the 2019 ESMOAS Summit of the AmericasI. General Statement

Canada is honored to again attend the Summit of the Americas as part of the Eugene Scassa Mock Organization of American States Program. As the second highest contributor to the Organization of American States (OAS), Canada is excited to continue to work towards the embodiment of the pillars of the OAS. Canada has long been a promoter of democracy for the region, and will continue to work to promote both small and large-scale projects that encourage the strengthening of democracy in the region.

Canada highly values its long-standing relationships with the member states of the OAS and is proud to continue to stand by these states as an ally in combating poverty, addressing human rights violations, and upholding democracy throughout the region.1 The relationships between Canada and the other member states of the OAS go much deeper than geography, and include shared values, mutually beneficial investments, and human-to-human ties across borders. The delegation of Canada believes it is these partnerships that continue to promote the Americas as a region of growth, development, and strength and which serve as a model for the world.2

The Government of Canada under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is focused on combating climate change, creating opportunities for all through inclusive economic growth, promoting and strengthening democracy, and protecting human rights.3 The Canadian government under Trudeau is deeply troubled by the issue of climate change and plans to promote inclusive economic growth throughout Canada in the move to renewable, carbon-neutral energy resources. In addition, Prime Minister Trudeau has emphasized the importance of indigenous peoples both in Canada and throughout the region and strives to seek ways to “deliver a better quality of life for their families and communities.” 4

In conclusion, Canada is excited to be present at the 23rd Summit of the Americas. Although there are differences among us, Canada believes the region is better for those differences, and looks forward to “finding ways to work with others while staying true to our own values.”5 In particular, Prime Minister Trudeau and the entire delegation look forward to working with all member states to improve the lives of all people in the region through the promotion of democracy for all, the development of opportunities for inclusive economic growth, the reduction of extreme poverty, and respect for human rights for all.

1 Global Affairs Canada - Affaires. (2018, July 13). Canada and the Organization of American States. Retrieved from https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/oas-oea/index.aspx?lang=eng.2 Global Affairs Canada - Affaires. (2018, July 5). Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean. Retrieved from https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/latin_america-amerique_latine/index.aspx?lang=eng.3 Our Platform: Liberal Party of Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://2019.liberal.ca/our-platform/.4 Ibid.5 Ibid.

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II. Particular StatementsA. Committee: General Committee (GC)Topic A: Ensuring Fair and Transparent Campaigns and Elections

Canada asserts that fair and transparent campaigns and elections are the cornerstone of democratic societies. With the promotion of democracy being one of Canada’s primary goals in the region, the delegation of Canada has done much to improve democratic systems in the region through work with the Department of Electoral Cooperation and Observation (DECO) within the OAS. The delegation of Canada has long been a top donor in support of DECO programs and technical projects. While exact budgetary numbers are not available, Canada has been the primary donor to 15 of the last 21 implemented projects.6 Canada will continue to promote democracy to its regional partners through these means.

Domestically, Canada has assured voting rights for all citizens over age 18, as written in Section Three of the Canadian Charter of Rights.7 According to Freedom House, Canada has an aggregate freedom score of 99/100, making it the leader in political rights and civil liberties in the region.8 Canada continues to strive for a more fair and transparent electoral system and will continue to lead the region in democratic principles.

Canada plans to address these issues with our regional partners and our Caribbean Community (CARICOM) allies by pushing for more opportunities for oversight into election systems by the OAS, and by continuing to work on the refinement of election systems through technical projects that assure fairness and transparency throughout the process.

Canada is thrilled to discuss further opportunities for the OAS to continue to promote and develop democracy throughout the region. As a leader in the region in political freedoms, Canada will be very involved in the process of strengthening elections for all states through the development of OAS programs and increased multilateral cooperation in electoral observation missions.

Topic B: Addressing the Problems of a Shrinking OAS BudgetCanada is deeply troubled by the shrinking OAS budget and affirms the necessity

of a well-funded organization. Since Canada joined the OAS in 1990, Canada has been a strong financial supporter of the organization. Canada has been the second largest financial contributor to OAS project and goals, behind the United States.9 Canada is proud to use its economic power and unique abilities to strengthen the region, and

6 Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy (SSD). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.oas.org/en/spa/deco/Coop_Tecnica_proyectos7 Department of Justice. (2019, April 5). The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/.8 Canada. (2019, June 3). Retrieved from https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/canada.9 Global Affairs Canada - Affaires. (2018, July 13). Canada and the Organization of American States. Retrieved from https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/oas-oea/index.aspx?lang=eng.

CanadaPosition Paper, Page Threereaffirms its commitment to regional partners in the improvement of democratic systems, mutual economic growth, and lasting relationships.

The OAS has identified many areas of improvement in the region, including the formation and execution of technical cooperation projects related to civic activity in decision-making as well as to issues of sustainable development and democracy.10 However, as the OAS has continued to grow in size and scope, the budget has failed to match this growth. In 2010, the approved budget for the OAS was $90,125,000. In 2019, the approved budget for the OAS was $82,700,000.11 Not only has the OAS budget failed to follow inflation rates, it has dropped since 2010. Canada notes that there are still pressing issues in the region relating to poverty, economic growth, human rights, and democracy.

The Delegation of Canada recognizes that the shrinking budget of the OAS is part of a larger problem facing intergovernmental organizations in the world, such as the budget crisis currently facing the United Nations. However, the delegation of Canada firmly believes in the mission of the Organization of American States. As a result, Canada will continue to work with regional partners to improve budget conditions to assure that the OAS continues to provide opportunity for improvement to all peoples throughout the Americas.

B. Committee: Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI) Topic A: Promoting Youth Participation in Government and Civics

The Delegation of Canada recognizes the lack of youth participation in government and civics, not only within the Western Hemisphere, but also in the world. Young people are not at the center of political decision making even though almost half the world’s population is under 30 years old.12 In Canada, youth represent one-third of the population and reflect Canada’s entire diversity.13 Canada strives to meet the immediate problem of a lack of youth participation, and recently created their first-ever Youth Policy. The Government of Canada’s vision is that young people are equipped to live healthy and fulfilling lives and feel empowered to create positive change for themselves, their communities, and the world. In 2018, young Canadians were at the forefront of forming this youth policy, being that almost every government decision has, is, or will affect their lives. The Youth Policy’s objectives are to One: Create meaningful opportunities for youth voices to be heard and respected, and Two: To provide accessible

10 Mission and Objective. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.oas.org/osde/MissionObject.htm.11 OAS Budget Program. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.oas.org/budget/.12 Enhancing Youth Political Participation throughout the Electoral Cycle. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Democratic Governance/Electoral Systems and Processes/ENG_UN-Youth_Guide-LR.pdf13 Statistics Canada. (2018, August 24). A portrait of Canadian youth. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-631-x/11-631-x2018001-eng.htm.

support that meets the evolving needs of youth.14 In Articles 26 and 27 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the implementation of programs and policies is

CanadaPosition Paper, Page Fourencouraged to promote democracy within the American states. It is also mentioned that youth education is key in ensuring the continuance of democratic values.15

With this being said, the resolution presented by the delegation of Canada highlights the benefits of implementing Youth Town Halls (YTH) across the Western Hemisphere. A lack of participation by youth in government is not a problem within a single country alone- it is a worldwide issue. The delegation of Canada believes that the OAS can serve as a model of youth civic engagement for the rest of the world by implementing YTH in the hemisphere. In addition to this, voter turnout among 18-25 year olds continues to be lower than other age groups globally.16 However, although the general trend of lower voter turnout for youth is also true for Canada, Canadian youth are more likely to be socially and civically engaged.17 The delegation of Canada firmly believes this is a result of the implementation of a Youth-focused policy led by the government of Prime Minister Trudeau, as well as the recent implementation of town halls for youth in Canada.

As Prime Minister Trudeau said, “Young people care deeply about their country and its future, and we need them at the table if we want to build a stronger and more inclusive society.”18 The delegation of Canada believes this statement pertains to all countries of the western hemisphere, and the world as a whole. The delegation of Canada looks forward to sharing the successes Canada has had related to youth engagement in civic matters and government.

Topic B: Encouraging the Growth of Micro- and Small-Business DevelopmentPrime Minister Trudeau firmly believes that “Small and medium sized businesses

grow [the] economy, create jobs, and help Canada thrive.”19 Small and medium-sized enterprises are the engine to the Canadian economy and, as such, their success is vital to Canada’s prosperity. There are almost 1.1 million micro to small businesses across the nation. These businesses employ almost 67.9% of private-sector workers; they represent 54.2% of the economic output produced by the business sector. Entrepreneurial activity has been largely stable since 2001, although the rate of business start-ups has increased. As noted by the Business Development Bank of Canada the entrepreneurial performance

14 Government of Canada. (2019, July 19). Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/youth/programs/policy.html.15 Inter-American Democratic Charter. (2001, September 11). Retrieved from http://www.oas.org/OASpage/eng/Documents/Democractic_Charter.htm.16 #YouthStats: Public and Civic Participation - Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/political-participation/.17 A Portrait of Canadian Youth: March 2019 Updates. (2019, May 9). Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-631-x/11-631-x2019003-eng.htm18 Prime Minister launches Canada's Youth Policy. (2019, May 3). Retrieved from https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2019/05/03/prime-minister-launches-canadas-youth-policy.19 Sudbury. (October 20, 2019). “Trudeau touts Liberal Plan for Small Businesses.” Retrieved from https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/trudeau-touts-liberal-plan-for-small-businesses-1758306

of Canada compares well with that of the other developed countries, such as Denmark, Finland, Hungary, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States.20

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The FedDev Ontario Small Businesses website has a guide set up specifically for indigenous, women, and youth entrepreneurship. The guides provide basic information and organizations that offer services and programs designed for the three different groups they promote.21 Canada as a country has focused its efforts towards inclusion by supporting and promoting minorities in our country.

Youth unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing the global economy: today 73 million young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are unemployed, a 6% increase since 2007. This issue is especially relevant in Latin America. Unemployed young adults represent more than 40% of the total number of unemployed in many countries (a higher rate than in European countries) and the 14% youth unemployment rate is more than double the LATAM average rate of 6%. 22 Women, and specifically indigenous women, have to overcome significant barriers preventing them from pursuing entrepreneurship, such as the inability to qualify for a loan from mainstream financial institutions the lack of access to capital for equity and/or the lack of credit, and living in rural or remote communities, among many other reasons.

The delegation of Canada looks forward to discussing ways to promote the economic independence of women, particularly indigenous women, through programs that encourage small and medium business loans to give these individuals the opportunity to thrive. Implementing programs such as the First Peoples Fund (FPF) will open up a chance for growth and prosperity for small businesses and development among indigenous women.

C. Committee: Secretariat for Multidimensional Security (SMS) Topic A: Improving Cooperation on Border Security and Regional Stability

The Delegation of Canada fully supports the strengthening of border security and regional stability to ensure a better future for all OAS member states. The impact that border security has on the nations is one that is quite troubling because of its impact on democracy. Moreover, Canada knows how important the migration of different people and cultures can be for the development of a nation. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in an interview, “The fact is Canadians understand that immigration, that people fleeing for their lives, that people wanting to build a better life for themselves and their

20 10 things you didn’t know about Canadian SMEs. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2019, from BDC website: https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/business-strategy-planning/manage-business/pages/10-things-didnt-know-canadian-sme.asp21 Government of Canada, I. (n.d.). Canada’s Regional Development Agencies—Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [About Us]. Retrieved October 23, 2019, from https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07662.html22 Youth unemployment is a huge problem in Latin America. Here’s how to solve it. (n.d.). Retrieved October 23, 2019, from World Economic Forum website: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/06/youth-unemployment-is-a-huge-problem-for-latin-america-here-s-how-to-solve-it/

kids is what created Canada, it's what created North America.”23 Essentially, immigration is an issue that every country faces and battling the illegal process of such issue should be done in a formal but non-discriminatory way. As an irenic, friendly, tranquil nation, the Delegation of Canada welcomes foreigners from all over the world to migrate freely if

CanadaPosition Paper, Page Sixproper criteria are met. The country of Canada also stands with Article 33 Chapter VII of the OAS Charter, which states that “development is a primary responsibility of each country and should constitute an integral and continuous process for the establishment of a more just economic and social order that will make possible and contribute to the fulfillment of the individual.”24 As a nation, Canada stands with all other member states to promote the idea of immigration if done correctly. Statistics do show that Canada has actually rejected 33 percent of visas as of last year. The explanation is simple as it is an honor to be a Canadian citizen and the visa process is rigorous in order to ensure that all people within the country are willing to follow the Canadian constitution. According to data from the 2016 census by Statistics Canada, 21.9% of the Canadian population reported they were or had ever been a landed immigrant or permanent resident in Canada25 Moreover, worker visas can hurt the country’s economy when they are overstayed. Canada recognizes that immigration sometimes occurs because there are economic opportunities that exist in one country but do not exist in an individual’s home country. This reality is why Prime Minister Trudeau has implemented a Temporary Foreign Work Permit System that includes positive processes to prevent overstay visas. Such processes include a complaint tracking system, ensure compulsory and regular workplace audits, mandatory disclosure of investigations into abuses of the program and federal employer compliance reviews, and a monthly disclosure regime indicating the number of TFW in Canada by region, National Occupation Classification code and employer.26 Canada plans to propose great changes for the OAS that will benefit the economy and safety of the member states and the people in the region by making sure that individuals without jobs are sent to countries that have jobs to give but lack the workers to fill them. This essentially ensures that unemployment rates lower and promotes greater stability for all.

The delegation of Canada is undoubtedly in support of the regulation of immigration but also wants to remind all of the other member states of the positives that come with them. The dynamics of spreading democracy by working with all of the other member states that need workers or those that have an abundance of labor but lack the

23 CNN Newsource. (2019, June 20). Canada resettled more refugees than US in 2018, UN says. Retrieved from https://www.10news.com/news/national/canada-resettled-more-refugees-than-us-in-2018-un-says.24Oea, & Oas. (2009, August 1). Organization of American States: Democracy for peace, security, and development. Retrieved from http://www.oas.org/en/sla/dil/inter_american_treaties_A-41_charter_OAS.asp.25 Keller, T. (2018, September 4). Canada Has Its Own Ways of Keeping Out Unwanted Immigrants. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/07/canada-immigration-success/564944/.26 Justin Trudeau's government and changes to immigration. (2015, October 30). Retrieved from https://www.canadianimmigration.net/news-articles/justin-trudeau-s-government-and-changes-to-immigration/.

employment opportunities will only increase the economic situation of the entire western hemisphere.

Topic B: Addressing High Rates of Incarceration and Gang DevelopmentThe Delegation of Canada affirms the political values expressed within Articles 2

and 3 of the Charter of the OAS. These Articles directly promote the strengthening of peace and security, the promotion of economic, social, and cultural development, and the

CanadaPosition Paper, Page Seven notion that social justice and security result in peace, and the fundamental right for each individual to be treated fairly without consideration of race, nationality, creed, or sex. In accordance to this, it is time to recognize and shine light upon the humanitarian crisis occurring within the jurisdictions of our member states. The OAS has been continuously plagued with high incarceration rates and heavy gang/cartel affiliation. This has led to the complete and utter disproportionate overflow of our respective prison systems. According to a study done by Dr. Katherine Limoncelli from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Latin American prisons are operating at 60% over capacity. This results in a lack of basic necessities, such as food and water; poor sanitation and hygiene; and increased levels of violence amongst prisoners and between the correctional facility officers and prisoners. There are also deficient measures to control infectious diseases such as H.I.V. and Tuberculosis from spreading.27 This issue affects many of the countries within the hemisphere. For example, between 2005 and 2012, Brazil’s prison population due to drug crimes grew a substantial 320% percent.28 The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation released a report in 2012 stating that 88% of prisoners in Puerto Rico had been sentenced in cases affiliated to drug use. Nearly half were first-time offenders.29 Although the numbers of drug arrests in Canada have been falling over the past few years, in 2017 there were still 90,625 drug arrests.30 The connection between drug use and high rates of incarceration is clear and represents an issue that affects all states in the OAS. Canada believes it is time for a major shift in ideologies revolving around cannabis. After the implementation of the 2018 Cannabis Act, Canada has experienced its first statistical decline for firearm related homicides of 8% and gang related homicides of over 5%.31 The Crime Severity Index (CSI) dropped 17% within a decade in Canada, and incarceration rates dropped 4% from

27 Prison Populations Are Exploding in Latin America. Here's Why. (2019, July 15). Retrieved from https://sum.cuny.edu/mass-incarceration-in-latin-america/28 Murray, J., Cerqueira, D. R. de C., & Kahn, T. (2013, September). Crime and violence in Brazil: Systematic review of time trends, prevalence rates and risk factors. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3763365/.29 Corda, A. (2016, September). Cannabis in Latin America and the Caribbean: From punishment to regulation. Retrieved from https://www.tni.org/files/publication-downloads/dpb_48_eng_web_def.pdf.30 Boyd, Susan.(September 15, 2018). Drug Arrests in Canada, 2017: Addendum. Retrieved from https://drugpolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Addendum.pdf31 Moreau, G. (2019, July 22). Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2019. Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2019001/article/00013-eng.htm.

2016-2018.32 In accordance with this, Canada experienced a 4% decrease in the homicide rate between 2017 and 2018.33

CanadaPosition Paper, Page Eight In addition to the evident alleviation to our crumbling criminal justice system the decriminalization of cannabis could provide for the region, it would help the hemisphere’s economic position become a complete and utter dominant force. According to data compiled by the Information Management Research Centre, the legal North American cannabis market is valued at $8 billion (USD) in 2017. By 2023, the market is projected to reach around $35 billion (USD). The South American region also represents a large global medical cannabis market, as in 2018, this market was valued at $125 million (USD). By 2027, the market is expected to reach $776 million (USD). This is considering the fact that cannabis still has not been decriminalized.34 With this excess in funds, the OAS can allocate a portion to build up our criminal justice system, with a focus on crimes of high severity and violence rather than fixating on nonviolent cannabis offenses. The delegation of Canada upholds the fundamental democratic principles the OAS has continuously stood for and urges all member states to consider the expungement of those who have been previously convicted of a non-violent or endangering cannabis offense. This would allow for all those that previously could not vote due to a felony record sticking with them to participate in the election process. Countries such as Argentina, Mexico, and Uruguay, among others, have implemented a full voting ban on those that have committed a felony offense, and many other member states have implemented restrictions that make it very difficult to re- participate in the election process.35

With all these contributing factors in mind, the Delegation of Canada calls upon member states to evaluate and reform our criminal justice systems in a manner that would provide relief to the humanitarian crisis occurring within the confines of our prison cells. The decriminalization of Cannabis throughout the hemisphere not only promotes our status as a democratic organization, but also provides a means for a significant amount of economic prosperity. Canada wholeheartedly believes the negative stigma surrounding cannabis should be eradicated in order to pave the way towards equity under the law and igniting the spark for a safer tomorrow.

32 Statistics Canada. (2019, July 22). Police-reported crime statistics, 2018. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190722/dq190722a-eng.htm?indid=4751-1&indgeo=0.33 Moreau, G. (2019, July 22). This annual Juristat article presents findings from the 2018 Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. It examines trends in the volume and seriousness of police-reported crime for both violent and non-violent offences at the national, provincial/territorial and census metropolitan area levels. Specific violations, such as homicide, sexual assault, fraud, shoplifting and breaking and entering are examined, as well as trends in youth accused of crime. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2019001/article/00013-eng.htm.34 FinancialBuzz.com. (2019, May 15). Latin American Governments Seek Cannabis Legalization to Aid in War on Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/latin-american-governments-seek-cannabis-legalization-to-aid-in-war-on-drugs-300850473.html.35 The Us Is the Only Democracy To Permanently Deny Voting Rights To Felons For All CrimesAnnalisa Merelli - https://qz.com/1644488/us-only-country-to-deny-vote-to-felons-for-any-crime-forever/