SANTIAGO, Chile (CP) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper signalled a major shift in foreign policy Tuesday, saying his government is eager to forge new relationships in Latin America based on the "Canadian model" of development.
Harper said Latin America is sometimes depicted as at a crossroads between two unpalatable choices, the hard capitalism of the United States and the authoritarianism and class warfare of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.
"This is, of course, utter nonsense," he told a business audience of about 500. "Canada's very existence demonstrates that the choice is a false one. Canada's political structures differ substantially from those in the United States.
"Our cultural and social models have been shaped by unique forces, and we've made our own policy choices to meet our own needs."
The address was considered a major event in Chile. In attendance were President Michelle Bachelet and two former presidents, Ricardo Lagos and Patricio Aylwin, along with business executives of the Canada-Chile Chamber of Commerce.
The address was greeted with sustained applause from the executives and with praise from Bachelet, who said "after hearing you, we haven't any doubt about why we are advancing our relationship."
The speech followed the signing of an agreement with Chile to increase economic, political and social links, including completed negotiations on opening access for financial services. This will give Chilean banks the same access to Canada as U.S. firms.
It was the second trade liberalization announcement in two days in the region. Monday, the prime minister announced that talks toward a Canada-Colombia-Peru trade deal had begun.
Often accused of singing Washington's tune, Harper's speech was notable for the differences he perceived between Canada's model and the American model.
He said the Canadian model promotes freedom, democracy, human rights and open markets. Where Canada differs is in its policies of "social cohesion," such as universal health care, equalization and other progressive institutions.
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