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United Nations

Canada Fails to Secure Temporary UN Security Council Seat for the First Time in 60 Years

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

For the first time in six decades, Canada has failed to secure a temporary seat on the United Nations Security Council, a defeat attributed to various factors, including Canada's foreign policy and its stance on Israel. The Harper government has pointed fingers at the Liberal party, led by Michael Ignatieff, who made comments criticizing the government's handling of international relations. However, experts suggest that the real reason behind Canada's failure lies in its lack of lobbying efforts and a clear foreign policy platform.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has 15 seats, with five permanent members and 10 temporary members elected to two-year terms.
  • Canada, a member of the "Western Europe or Other" block, was outvoted by Portugal and Germany, who were nominated by the same block.
  • The five permanent members of the Security Council are the United States, France, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, which have veto power.
  • Experts believe that Canada's failure to secure the seat can be attributed to its lack of lobbying efforts and a clear foreign policy platform.
  • Temporary members have limited power, but can serve as "kingmakers" in rare cases.
  • The departure of Portugal and Germany as candidates left a seat open for Canada, but they were ultimately elected in Canada's place.
  • The Harper government has accused the Liberal party of undermining Canada's chances, pointing to comments made by Michael Ignatieff in September criticizing the government's handling of international relations.
  • Experts also suggest that Canada's stance on Israel may have contributed to its failure to secure the seat.
  • Canada will have another chance to secure a temporary seat on the Security Council in 2013.

Statistics:

  • 15 seats on the UN Security Council, with 5 permanent and 10 temporary members.
  • 5 permanent members of the Security Council have veto power: United States, France, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
  • Temporary members are elected to two-year terms, with the current term beginning in January 2011.
  • Canada, Portugal, and Germany are members of the "Western Europe or Other" block.
  • 30 years is how long Michael Ignatieff spent outside of Canada before returning to politics.

Sources:

  • "Canada fails to secure UN Security Council seat", [1] CTV News, October 27, 2010
  • "McNee pulls Canada out of Security Council vote", [2] National Post, October 27, 2010
  • "Canada loses Security Council seat to Germany", [3] CBC News, October 27, 2010

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