Canada's Bid for UN Security Council Seat Falls Short: Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon's Reaction

Strategic Insights -

As the outcome of Canada's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council was announced, Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon acknowledged the disappointment, but emphasized that the country would continue to pursue its international priorities and values. During a press conference outside the UN Headquarters in New York City, Cannon expressed pride in Canada's record on the world stage, highlighting its leadership on peace and security issues and development assistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Canada's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council was rejected, with Portugal and Germany elected instead.
  • Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon maintained that Canada's decision not to continue the bid was based on principle, and that the country would not change its values or policy to secure a seat.
  • Cannon acknowledged the impact of the Liberal leader's statement criticizing Canada's bid, which he believed damaged the country's chances of securing the seat.
  • Canada's aid to Africa was highlighted as an achievement, with a commitment to double aid by March 2011.
  • The country's diplomatic efforts in Africa were praised, with peacekeeping and capacity-building activities recognized.
  • The UNRWA funding controversy was mentioned, with Oda Minister Bev correcting the misgivings around the issue.
  • Canada's record on peace and security issues was emphasized, with Cannon highlighting the country's leadership in various UN peacekeeping operations.
  • The incident involving the Tamil arrests in Thailand was not commented on by Cannon.

Statistics:

  • Canada's discount factor on the first ballot was extremely high, at 25 percent or in the vicinity of.
  • Canada pledged to double aid to Africa, with a commitment to fulfill this pledge by March 2011.
  • Canada has a significant contribution to peace and security in Africa, dating back to 2006.
  • Canada supports UN peacekeeping through capacity-building, training, planning, logistics, and the strategic provision of personnel.
  • The country has been involved in 18 U.N. or U.N.-mandated peacekeeping operations.

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc.
  • UN Security Council
  • Canadian Federal Government
  • Lawrence Cannon, Canadian Foreign Minister
  • Michael Ignatieff, Liberal Party Leader
  • Bev Oda, Minister of Development
  • John McNee, Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations