Many historians and political scientists argue that ties between Canada and Latin America have been weak and intermittent because of lack of mutual interest and common objectives. Has this record of diverging paths changed as Canada has attempted to expand its economic and diplomatic ties with the region? Has Canada become an imperialist power?

Canada’s Past and Future in Latin America investigates the historical origins of and more recent developments in Canadian foreign policy in the region. It offers a detailed evaluation of the Harper and Trudeau governments’ approaches to Latin America, touching on political diplomacy, bilateral development cooperation, and civil society initiatives.

Leading scholars of Canada–Latin America relations offer insights from unique perspectives on a range of issues, such as the impact of Canadian mining investment, security relations, democracy promotion, and the changing nature of Latin American migration to Canada. Drawing on archival research, field interviews, and primary sources, Canada’s Past and Future in Latin America advances our understanding of Canadian engagement with the region and evaluates options for building stronger ties in the future.

Pablo Heidrich is an associate professor in the Global and International Studies Program at Carleton University.

Pablo Heidrich's profile page

LAURA MACDONALD is a professor in the Department of Political Science and the Institute of Political Economy at Carleton University, and a research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. She has published numerous articles in journals and edited collections on issues ranging from the role of non-governmental organizations in development to the political impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. Laura Macdonald lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Laura Macdonald's profile page