what was the extent of Canada's involvement in the Marshall Plan?
Canada was not much involved with the Marshall Plan. It provided its own support for the wartorn countries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Plan#Canada
http://rosati-canadian-history.wikispaces.com/Marshall+Plan+%26+Molotov+Plan
http://www.reference.com/motif/history/marshall-plan-summary
Canada played a significant role in the implementation of the Marshall Plan after World War II. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of Canada's involvement:
1. Treaty Participation: While Canada did not sign the original Marshall Plan treaty in April 1948, it was one of sixteen countries that participated as a member of the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC). The OEEC was the international body responsible for administering the Marshall Plan.
2. Financial Contributions: Canada made financial contributions to the Marshall Plan despite not receiving direct aid. Between 1948 and 1951, Canada provided a total of CAD 1.4 billion (equivalent to around USD 12 billion today) to assist in the recovery of Europe. This support was primarily in the form of loans and grants.
3. Commodity Aid: In addition to financial contributions, Canada also provided significant amounts of commodity aid to European countries under the Marshall Plan. This included products like wheat, flour, and other food supplies, as well as raw materials like timber and minerals.
4. Technical Assistance: Canada participated in the Technical Assistance Program, a component of the Marshall Plan which aimed to promote economic development through the sharing of technical expertise. Canadian experts were sent to Europe to provide advice and assistance in various fields, such as agriculture, industry, transportation, and public health.
5. Economic Cooperation: Beyond financial aid and technical assistance, Canada also worked closely with European countries to promote economic cooperation. This included the negotiation of trade agreements, the facilitation of investment, and the promotion of exports between Canada and European nations.
While Canada's involvement in the Marshall Plan was not on the same scale as that of the United States, it made significant contributions through financial aid, commodity supplies, technical assistance, and economic cooperation.
The Marshall Plan, officially called the European Recovery Program, was an initiative by the United States to aid the post-World War II recovery of Europe. While Canada was not a direct recipient of Marshall Plan aid, it was still involved in a supportive role.
To find more information on Canada's involvement in the Marshall Plan, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by searching for information on the Marshall Plan and its recipients. Look for official documents or reputable sources that outline the countries involved.
2. Access reliable sources such as government websites, academic articles, or books on Canadian foreign policy during the post-war era.
3. Look for specific mentions of Canada's role in supporting the Marshall Plan. This could include financial assistance, supplying resources, or providing political support.
4. Analyze any available data or historical accounts to determine the extent of Canada's involvement in the plan compared to other nations.
5. Consider examining primary sources, such as official statements or diplomatic cables, to gain a more detailed understanding of Canada's position and contributions.
6. Finally, compile the information you gather to form a comprehensive answer to the question regarding Canada's involvement in the Marshall Plan.
By following these steps, you will be able to find reliable information on Canada's participation in the Marshall Plan and gain a deeper understanding of its extent.