Who's next for EITI - Canada?

The US’ decision to implement EITI has put added pressure on Canada to become a member. Although Canada has been a supporting country of EITI, it has yet to make the transition to membership. As a very resource-rich country itself, EITI implementation could benefit all Canadian citizens. Journalists have also pointed out that with the number of Canadian companies operating around the globe, the country risks damaging its reputation if it does not vigorously pursue extractive transparency.

Civil society has not taken a back seat in their bid to drive Canada to EITI membership. Just a few weeks ago PWYP Canada held a roundtable – which was attended by EITI Chair Claire Short – discussing Canadian engagement in EITI.

Canada has rejected the idea of EITI membership on the grounds that the initiative is a tool for developing countries. Yet OECD country Norway has been a member since 2009 and, as Ms. Clare Short remarked, the adherence of resource-rich countries to EITI adds credibility when developing countries are being asked to join. Finally now that the US has joined EITI, the argument that the initiative is for developing countries alone is quite simply no longer valid.

The US’ decision to join EITI was announced as part of its commitments to the Open Government Partnership, launched yesterday in New York. Canada has since stated that it will also join the Open Government Partnership. When, in a few months’ time, Prime Minister Stephen Harper presents Canada’s own commitments dare we hope for a similar EITI announcement?