Canada-Africa Relations
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Rohinton Medhora editor Yiagadeesen Samy editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:The Centre for International Governance Innovation
Published:17th Oct '16
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A wave of optimism has swept the African continent in the past decade. The pace and extent of social change in recent years, when measured in life expectancy, child and infant mortality rates, literacy, numeracy and the completion of higher education, is quite remarkable. The urban middle class is emerging and expanding in many African countries, while political democracy is developing and strengthening. These positive changes are generating economic growth and attracting foreign investment across the continent, especially in the resource sector. But Africa is still viewed by many as the “dark continent” dealing with serious problems — civil wars, ethnic division, corruption, HIV/AIDS, poverty, food security and the disastrous effects of climate change — and these issues may well impede the upward trajectory of Africa. Canada-Africa Relations: Looking Back, Looking Ahead — the 27th volume of the influential Canada Among Nations series — analyzes the ebb and flow of Canada’s engagement with Sub-Saharan Africa through different lenses over the past few decades and also looks to the future, highlighting the opportunities and the difficulties that exist for Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa. It is clear that a new Africa is emerging, and Canada must be prepared to change the nature of its relationship with the continent.
'Former prime minister Paul Martin notes in his preface to the book that there is and will continue to be a huge role for other countries to take the lead in providing engineering and financial expertise to big projects that will become increasingly common as the region develops. "The question is," he writes, "will Canada be there?" (Don Cayo, Vancouver Sun 'This edition of Canada Among Nations rightly rejects the notion that Canada currently has (and only ever had) "humanitarian interests" in Africa. Ultimately, this collection will stand or fall on whether it makes a convincing case that Africa matters to Canada in the 21st century. It has not only accomplished that task but has also provided convincing evidence of the entrenched obstacles that prevent many Canadians from "seeing" interests, change, and opportunity in Africa and has offered various practical, if at times contentious or self-serving, policy prescriptions. As Gerald Helleiner argues in the summary chapter, 'the aid-based and implicitly patronizing relationships of the past cannot remain dominant' (295). Readers will no doubt agree.' (Christ WJ Roberts, International Journal) '[The] editors of the book must be commended for the excellent structure, organization, and consistency across chapter contributions to the theme of the book. The book is a must read for all development economists and policy-makers on both sides. A good read.' (Lynette Gwantwa Mwaikinda)
ISBN: 9780986707742
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
328 pages