Policy Statement
Canada

Muchas gracias señor Presidente,
 
En nombre del Gobierno de Canadá permítame expresarle  nuestras más sinceras felicitaciones y satisfacción por su designación como Presidente de esta conferencia, asi como nuestra gratitud con el Gobierno de México y con la ciudad de Guadalajara, por recibirnos con tanto afecto y hospitalidad. Thank you
 
Canada relies upon telecommunications to link all parts of a very vast land. We believe that the digital infrastructure and a digitally skilled workforce are the foundations for a successful economy and inclusive society. We depend on an effective international telecommunication framework to connect with the world and bring the benefits of telecommunications to all countries.
 
Over the past years the ITU has been able to successfully address the significant challenges posed by the rapid development of telecommunication technologies because it has applied its resources and its unique capabilities in the sectors where Member States require it the most: Radiocommunications and the future of wireless communications, the development of standards to ensure a seamless interconnection of telecommunication systems, and in capacity building activities and programs for the benefit of developing and less developed countries.
 
All are important and Canada believes they all continue to be worthy as we chart a course forward for this organization.
 
We face new challenges and opportunities. Increasingly our economies are becoming digital, featuring innovative mobile services based on wireless and satellite technologies. This transition will intensify the demand for timely decisions, and most importantly, for an improved management of the radiofrequency spectrum and allocation of satellite orbits.
 
Canada believes that these pressing challenges and opportunities will be successfully addressed in the years to come by a senior management team at the ITU, a team with substantial knowledge and experience in radiocommunications and wireless technologies, but also with an in-depth understanding of the industry, of its future, and of the synergies we require moving ahead.  These are Mr. Chairman the reasons why we believe Dr. Veena Rawat is the best candidate for the position of Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau. She is not only a team player but a consensus builder, qualities essential to keep the Union on track and able to meet the needs of its Member States.
 
Dear colleagues:
 
We must keep in mind that resources are never limitless.  Just as the Government of Canada and governments around the world are focusing on priorities and allocating resources accordingly, so too must international organizations.  Consequently, we welcome the ITU’s continuing improvements to its accountability, financial management and governance practices.
 
Nous croyons que l’engagement du Canada à l’égard du travail accompli par l’UIT dans l’ensemble de ses activités est bien illustré par le rôle qu’il joue comme membre du Conseil de l’UIT depuis 1947– un rôle que le Canada souhaite d’ailleurs poursuivre et pour lequel il sollicite le soutien des États membres.
 
The ITU has a unique role to play in assisting Member States in their efforts of building the technical and policy related capacity required to connect their citizens, and to capture the benefits that robust and secure digital infrastructures  can offer. But it needs to do so by concentrating on what no one else is doing, and by doing it well.
 
The Union must avoid the temptation to dilute its impact by seeking authority over issues that are being addressed appropriately by other organizations.
 
It is Canada’s aspiration that this conference will set a path that enables the organization to deliver on its mandate and contribute where it is best placed to do so.  We look forward to working with other Member States to bring about those kinds of productive outcomes.
 
Thank you.