“When the United Nations was established in 1945, there was a strong belief that the new international order should be built on a foundation of human rights. . . . The UN’s human rights machinery has evolved and improved over the years, although it is still far from perfect. . . . The task for Canadians and all humanity is to work together to advance the cause of peace, justice and human rights and this can only be done as a universal effort and not by individual states or a coalition of allies.”
Warren Allmand, former federal cabinet minister and current President, World Federalist Movement – Canada.

“Canada has the capabilities to make real and effective contributions to establishing an effective capacity at the UN for implementing the Responsibility to Protect resolution (R2P). More emphasis needs to be put on early warning and prevention. These really form the bedrock of the idea.”
Lloyd Axworthy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.

“It is a common refrain that Canada’s international standing has been falling over the past few years… It calls for a less brutal approach to the multilateral world and for a more compassionate understanding of the different approaches to world problems.”
Ferry de Kerckhove, former High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan and Ambassador to Indonesia and Egypt.

“Canada’s return to peacekeeping would be embraced by the United Nations and the international community. Such a development could help our country gain more influence and clout, including a seat in the UN Security Council and give Canadians something even more important: a sense of renewed pride in the nation’s contribution to a better, more peaceful world.”
Walter Dorn, Professor of Defense Studies, Canadian Forces College.

“If the UN Charter is to be modified to become more effective, Canada has a better chance to contribute constructively if it is active ‘inside the tent’.”
Yves Fortier, former Ambassador of Canada to the United Nations while Canada was a member of the UN Security Council.

“It is clear why Canada was not elected to the Security Council three years ago, and why we will never be elected unless and until there is a fundamental change, across the board, in our foreign policy. Canada’s fine reputation will not be restored until Canada adopts positions on international issues that are seen to be good for the world as well as good for Canada.”
Robert Fowler, former Deputy Minister of National Defence and former Special Envoy of UN
Secretary‐General Ban Ki‐moon to Niger.

“To prevent armed conflict and protect civilians in an over‐armed, interdependent world, we are likely to need an empowered United Nations, just as the Organization now needs better Canadian efforts. . . . Canada could again lead in supporting the development of a UN Emergency Peace Service (UNEPS) – a standing ‘UN 911’ to ensure rapid and reliable responses to fast‐breaking crises.”
Peter Langille, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Global Studies, University of Victoria

“If Canada absolves itself of its responsibilities as a member of the United Nations, it loses the opportunity to influence world events in a way that will also advance our own interests.”
Carolyn McAskie, former Assistant Secretary‐General and head of the UN Peacebuiding Commission’s Support Office

“More than 50 civil society leaders met with the new Executive Director of UN Women at New York headquarters to stress that all women’s issues, including sexual and reproductive rights, must be understood in the human rights framework. . . But at the UN Human Rights Council . . . it was Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s people that said “no” to listing critical sexual and reproductive health services that survivors of sexual violence must have access to.”
Marilou McPhedran, Professor and Director, Institute for International Women’s Rights at the University of Winnipeg Global College

“It’s time for Canada to put into practice the statement it signed on to at the 2010 Nuclear Non‐Proliferation Review Conference: “All states need to make special efforts to establish the necessary framework to achieve and maintain a world without nuclear weapons.”
Douglas Roche, former Canadian Ambassador for Disarmament

“This requires opening up political space not just to the private sector, but to other actors, in particular civil society. After all, human development and progress are best achieved not through government‐owned policies, but democratically owned ones.”
Julia Sanchez, President and CEO, Canadian Council for International Cooperation

“UN agencies act as a focal point for funders; they serve as coordinators, managers and front‐line delivery agencies. They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, and are frequently the only serious humanitarian delivery mechanism in some of the world’s toughest emergencies. It is still insufficient. The challenge for UN member states, including Canada, is to find ways to build, strengthen and improve the UN’s herculean response to humanitarian need.”
Ian Smillie, Chairperson, Diamond Development Initiative

“The reform of the United Nations, with contributions from Canadian citizens, should become a priority program of the Department of Foreign Affairs.”
John Trent, Senior Fellow, Centre on Governance, University of Ottawa

“The setting of the global development agenda for the coming decades is a time for the Canadian Government to make its mark.”
Kathryn White, President and CEO, The United Nations Association in Canada