Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Honourable members, I'm honoured to be with you today to address the issue of the future of Syria in the context of the recent developments over the past year and a half.
I'm with the Syrian Canadian Congress, a community organization that came into existence slightly over a year ago with the purpose of promoting community engagement, human rights, democratic governance and building bridges between Canada and Syria. The Syrian Canadian diaspora is not recent in the Canadian mosaic. It goes back to the early 20th century, but since 2015, we've seen the expansion and the growth of that community. It has become an active and viable community.
In my address today, I would like to briefly cover a number of areas: one, the historical background; two, domestic and regional challenges; three, areas of fragility; and four, policy recommendations.
The Syrian situation today is one of inherited authoritarian rule, authoritarian domination and control, and an almost failed state. Beginning in 2011, the government's response to popular protests led to widespread destruction, the collapse of the economy, mass displacement and deep structural challenges that complicate the political transition and national reconciliation.
The areas of fragility include slow economic growth, inflation, unemployment and currency devaluation. There is limited governance capacity. Years of authoritarianism led to nothing but the total collapse of good governance. There is also the incomplete and incompetent security sector to forge a common security framework for the country—although some progress has been made in recent months.
As well, there are the minority communities. The Assad regime succeeded in establishing itself and gaining favourable reaction from foreign governments on the grounds that it was the protector of minority communities. That was a major falsehood. Instead of talking about the protection of minority communities, we need to address the issue of protecting the entire community through good governance and democratic values.
The Syrian government of today has made some serious progress in the areas of security, the coordination of the public service and the delivery of some services, but these are limited improvements and need co-operation and collaboration with international providers and partners.
Canada has a role to play in this process. In brief, I would like to make the following policy recommendations.
First, designate a Damascus-based ambassador and embassy to work on the development of the private sector, trade and consular services in the country. The current ambassador in Beirut, who is covering Syria as well, is doing an excellent job within the mandate that is assigned to him and his embassy staff. We need to go one step further and work on the establishment of a Damascus-based embassy.
Second, facilitate private sector engagement by encouraging Canadian businesses to conduct trade and to participate in the reconstruction of Syria.
Third, civil society is an important variable in Syrian society and needs to be supported and assisted.
Fourth, public administration in Syria is in total collapse. Canada has a lot to offer in providing assistance.
Finally, rely on and utilize the Syrian Canadian diaspora in providing services and assisting in the reconstruction of Syria.
Mr. Chair and honourable members, Syria stands at a critical moment. The choices are limited. The choice we make today is either to return to the past of destruction, social conflict and regional instability, or to move forward, judge the government's performance based on deliverables and build a better society. Canada has a long track record in the Middle East, going back to the 1950s. We need to capitalize on that long track record.
Thank you.