ABSTRACT
Canadians have faced several different aspects of self-determination ever since two major European powers, Great Britain and France, laid claim to the northern part of North America. Canada's external self-determination is curtailed by overwhelming dependence on the United States, economically—trade and investments—and militarily—defense. The area in which an independent course and a vigorous attitude of self-determination was and is pursued is Canadian foreign policy. Canadian participation in international affairs can be divided chronologically into three periods that demonstrate progressive development from a position of colonial dependence to one of complete autonomy. The Canadian government knew the mind of the Roosevelt administration and obviously shared its confidence in the vital negotiations which gained for Britain the moral and material support of the United States. Canadian trade agreements, both with Communist China and with Cuba, have also been a source of friction underscoring Canada's quest for an independent foreign policy.
