Overview

• Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand used Canada’s UN General Assembly speech in New York on Sept. 29 to define a three-pillar framework centered on defence and security, economic resilience, and core values.
• She placed defence and security at the forefront, highlighting commitments to keep Canadians safe, safeguard sovereignty, and strengthen alignment with NATO and NORAD.
• Anand reaffirmed support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, saying Canada remains resolute as Kyiv continues to fight.
• She said Canada will take part in the political process that follows the Israel–Hamas war and will help in every way possible.
• Defending multilateral rules, she opposed efforts to tighten the 1951 Refugee Convention, promoted rules-based trade, and delivered the address in place of Prime Minister Mark Carney, linking the stance to Ottawa’s planned military buildup.