Probably. Canadian government officials have never given a definite “yes” to inquiries by the Estonian Central Council in Canada. But Ottawa has consistently supported enlargement of the Atlantic Alliance on a wide scale, one consistent with Canada’s own national security interests, one that helps to reduce tensions in the area and solidifies stability and peace for Europe.

Advisers in our lobbying efforts note that this country’s future will also be affected by NATO’s future development. Arguments that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania direly need the “protective umbrella” that NATO supplies against future aggression simply doesn’t fly. Advisers stress that our “selling points” must include tangible benefits to typical citizens who don’t recognize the urgency as do Canadians of Baltic heritage.

Canadian foreign policy, not to mention NATO enlargement, haven’t been priority issues in federal election campaigns recently. Our parliament usually plays an advisory role in foreign policy formulation as opposed to the more leading and decisive positions taken by respective congressional committees in Washington.

What does Canada gain? Bluntly put, the cost of a new Cold War would be more expensive than NATO enlargement. Canada’s contribution to joint NATO operations this last decade is viewed by the media as substantial. It’s perceived that additional budgetary outlays to the military triggered by new international confrontations would be unacceptable to voters. Any lingering claims by Russia to a sphere of influence to its immediate west would be settled by establishing a stable, secure, non-offensive and democratic area encompassed by NATO. This would consolidate Canada’s foreign aid investment in the region, efforts that have helped develop democratic institutions, free market economies and a civil society infrastructure. It would enhance the confidence of Canadian entrepreneurs, many of whom still perceive a certain risk in forging trade and joint-venture schemes with the Baltic private sector.

As an extension, NATO enlargement to the Baltics would bring real economic advantage to Canada. Increased stability, commercial transparency and reliance on fair rules of conduct in government procurement would stimulate trade and investment. As Canada is competitive in many differing markets, our export to NATO members could be expected to increase — stimulating greater employment.

Inviting all three Baltic countries at the NATO Prague summit in November, would resolve definitively the issue of latent Russian ambitions to exercise predominant influence in the region. It therefore serves to remove a potential long-term irritant to Canadian relations with Russia.

It’s vital for our government and your local M.P. to know that more than just a few voters are concerned about Canadian national interest and how the NATO enlargement issue is closely tied to the latter.

LAAS LEIVAT, Estonian Central Council in Canada

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