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UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was in Canada last week for a quick two-day visit. His meetings in Ottawa with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau set the stage for a new era of rapprochement between Canada and the UN. As it marks its first 100 days in office, the Liberal government is pivoting toward a new foreign policy approach, trying to turn the tide on Canada’s diminished role within the world body and waning influence in the multilateral system.

Ban was enthusiastic about Canada’s global leadership in Paris on issues related to climate change, as well as the government’s promise to re-engage in UN peacekeeping operations, citing Mali and the Central African Republic as places where Canada’s French-speaking soldiers could actively contribute. Trudeau also indicated that Canada would mount a campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Recall that back in 2010, Canada lost a seat to Portugal. The Conservative government at the time was roundly criticized for this development. Although Harper made a bid for the seat, many countries didn’t vote for Canada. This was partly due to its unequivocal support for Israel, but also because of its closure of embassies and aid programs on the African continent.