Canada needs CARICOM’s backing

Canada is seeking the help of CARICOM to gain a coveted seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) when the voting opens next year.

Canada’s foreign minister Francois Phillippe Champagne was at the 31st Intercessional Conference of Heads of Government of the CARICOM (18-19 February 2020) in an effort to build stronger times with the Caribbean Community.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves told reporters on Monday that Canada tried to get on the UNSC a few years ago when their 22nd Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in power, but they suffered a defeat at the hands of Germany and Portugal.

Canada will go up against Norway and Ireland, and Gonsalves says that “everybody” wants CARICOM’s 14 votes.

“…And apart from that, we have influence in other parts of the world where we can help also. So Prime Minister Trudeau was to come, he couldn’t come. So, he sent this foreign minister, we had a very good discussion,” said Gonsalves.

He noted that frank discussions were held on a lot of issues and mention was made of areas of collaboration.

CARICOM is hoping to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau soon.