Canada to seek seat on UN Security Council: Trudeau

Dec 19 2017, 11:13 am

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today that Canada will seek a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term.

Canada would join permanent members China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States on the council. The current non-permanent members are Egypt, Senegal, Angola, Japan, Malaysia, Uruguay, Venezuela, New Zealand, Spain, and Ukraine. Five non-permanent members are replaced on a yearly basis.

Trudeau said his government is determined to revitalize Canada’s role as a key contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts.

From John Humphrey’s work on the UN Declaration on Human Rights to Lester B. Pearson’s pivotal role in the development of peacekeeping, Canadians have accomplished extraordinary things in support of the UN’s mission to promote human rights, development, and peace and security. We are determined to help the UN make greater strides in support of its goals for all humanity,” said Trudeau.

The last time Canada held a seat was in 2000, the sixth time the nation received the position. In 2010, Stephen Harper’s government lost its bid for a seat to Portugal, marking the first time in 50 years that Canada did not gain a seat. At the time, the decision was seen as an international rejection of Harper’s foreign policy.

Trudeau is in New York City to meet with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon to discuss the move, and he plans to meet with Executive Director of UN Woman Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka to discuss gender equality as well.

He will be participating in a roundtable discussion relating to girls’ advocacy.

DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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