An Introduction to a Great Russian-Canadian Conversation

Welcome in Project �Profiles in Transition�

 

 

In February 2002, the governments of Canada and Russia signed the �Canada-Russia Joint Action Plan for an Enhanced Bilateral Partnership�. This Action Plan identified numerous areas for future cooperation. Among them, bilateral exchange programs were emphasized for their ability to contribute to improved mutual understanding. Toward this objective, both governments pledged their commitment to bringing Russians and Canadians together through expanding mutual exchanges to share their ideas, their cultures and histories, and their businesses. This commitment sustains the cooperation that began in 1992 when the Government of Canada pledged its support to the Russian government and people by creating the Yeltsin Democracy Fellowship Program.

 

From 1992 to 2002, this training program enrolled over 600 Russian leaders in the Canadian �classroom�, providing a unique and living perspective on Canadian government, society and business. Unlike most classroom environments, however, there was no student-teacher relationship or prescribed curriculum. The Russians who came to Canada and the Canadians who joined their journey developed their own unique learning experiences wherever they went.

 

This approach defined the exceptional character of the Yeltsin Democracy Fellowship Program. There was no other way to introduce the policies and practices of political pluralism and economic liberalism to a generation of Russians who were grappling with a political, economic and social transformation of the scale and pace that was incomprehensible to most Canadians. In fact, very few Canadians had a deep understanding of what the Russian people were living through.�On the other side, very few Russians could comprehend how a democratic state and civil society were structured, how an elected government governed, how the modern market economy was shaped, or even how a local corner store operated. These two world views were so different from each other that exposure to the other world was an astonishing experience for both Russians and Canadians involved in the Program.

 

Given these differences, what could Russians and Canadians teach each other about political, economic and social change? Were would these lessons be found and if they were conveyed succinctly, would the Canadian experience hold any relevance to challenges facing Russia? These were very large issues but over the ten year history of the program, a great Russian-Canadian conversation ensued that brought us closer to understanding and appreciating one another and the great countries in which we live.

As if to reference the strength and diversity of a democratic society, many people participated in this dialogue, many voices were heard, and many themes were explored. In Russia, Yeltsin Democracy Fellows are found among the most senior government officials and politicians, the new generation of business leaders, leaders of non-governmental organizations, and educators. Similarly, a wide range of Canadians from the non-profit, private and public sector engaged in this conversation. While Ottawa and Moscow are the centres of government, democracy and commerce have no geographic home. Consequently, questions relating to economic restructuring, organizing foodbanks and social services, the role of the media, and international trade and financial markets took place all across Canada. These Russian-Canadian conversations were not limited to these topics nor did it end when the Yeltsin Fellows returned to Russia.�

 

For many involved in the program, the YDF Program influenced their thinking and their futures. Many fellows returned to Russia and became advocates for change within government, catalysts in the emerging private and non-governmental sector, and leaders in their communities. The lessons and practices of their Canadian counterparts were adapted to the changing Russian environment. Examples of innovation and leadership can be found across Russia.

 

The project �Profiles in Transition� captures moments of this Russian-Canadian conversation through the series of articles and documents. It seeks to provide a glimpse into the history of this program, the people involved, and the stories related to the Program. What follows is a select number of those conversations that took place in different times and different locations. No effort has been made to provide a systematic review of the program or quantify its impact. Rather the purpose is to reveal the moments of the Russian-Canadian cooperation that impacted the lives and thinking of the people. That is why we are giving a platform to those who have been touched by the program in one way or another. We wanted to hear their stories, their experiences and their reflections on a program that began in Ottawa in June 2002 and ended in Moscow in December 2002 and touched innumerable people and place in between.

 

This book is divided into several sections. The first section is largely historical and provides an insight into the origins and the design of the program. The next sections include a number of personal accounts on the influence of the program on their personal and professional lives. Under investigation are their experiences in introducing new management practices and developing networks of cooperation. Information on the Russian-Canadian Club of Yeltsin Democracy Fellows, for example, is one such network that has emerged and documented in this project. The final section provides a retrospective and forward-looking perspective on Russian-Canadian relations. Also included is a photo gallery and references to informational resources about Russia and Canada.

 

In closing, we would like to thank the many people who have contributed to this project and to the YDF program over its 10 year history. Among those instrumental in the program were various Russian government ministries, federal and regional governments, universities, and more than 600 YDF Fellows who engaged Canadians from coast to coast. In Canada, this program would not have been possible without the support of hundreds of institutions in the public, private and social sector who volunteered their time to share their experiences and perspectives on Canadian government, business and society.

 

Sincerely yours,����

David O�Brien

Vladimir Mikheev