Le Canada et l’ONU > Canada at the UN: A Proud Tradition

Ce document est disponible seulement en anglais.

International Relationships

Canadian history and geography have led us to enjoy close and cooperative relationships with most countries. These relationships have resulted in an extensive network of embassies and consulates around the world. In addition to these ties, Canada is an active member of many multilateral fora. Aside from being a founding member of the United Nations, Canada is a leading member of the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, and the Organization of American States.

In addition to our institutional relationships, we have strong economic ties with states throughout the world. Exports play a huge role in our economy—one of the largest and strongest in the world—making up almost 40% of our Gross Domestic Product. We also import large quantities of goods from around the globe. We understand the importance of free and fair trade, a fact illustrated by our membership in economic organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, the G8, the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, and the North American Free Trade Agreement, in addition to a growing number of bilateral free trade agreements.

Canada has forged a positive relationship with its closest neighbour, the United States, a relationship developed by our long and complex history and our extensive trade relations. Our international goals and positions, however, are often different from those of the United States. For example, we oppose the extra-territorial Helms-Burton Law and the illegal embargo on Cuba. We also oppose the unilateral demands by the U.S. for restructuring the UN as a pre-condition for continued American support, funding, and the payment of their debt. Although we disagree with such American policies, our friendship puts us in a unique position to work constructively with the United States on the Security Council during our current term as a non-permanent member (1999-2000).

Canada’s long-standing relationships with two other members of the Security Council, France and the United Kingdom, will also be beneficial to the Council and the UN system. We have the experience of working with both countries and know how to relate to them in a constructive manner. Our French and British heritage brings us closer to many countries, as does the fact that our nation officially utilizes two of the UN’s official languages, French and English.

While we acknowledge our French and British heritage, Canada’s multicultural makeup helps us understand the needs and desires of other countries. Canada was developed through the contributions of people from all parts of the world. Today there are five million immigrants—17.4% of the total population—living in Canada, most of whom have become Canadian citizens. Their talents and experiences are vital to Canada. It is these immigrants, and the descendants of previous immigrants, who give Canada a personal connection to so many countries.