Canada and the Organization of American States
The is the premier multilateral organization of the Americas. It seeks to achieve among its member states an order of peace and justice, promote their solidarity, strengthen their collaboration and to defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. After 28 years as an observer, Canada became a member of the OAS on January 8, 1990.
Our priorities
The OAS is an important multilateral vehicle for advancing Canada's goals.
Our contributions
Learn about Canada’s contributions to the OAS.
Our office
Learn more about Canada’s Permanent Mission to the OAS.
News
Official Government of Canada news releases, statements and media advisories related to the OAS.
Our priorities
The Organization of American States (OAS) is an important multilateral vehicle for advancing Canada's goals of increasing mutual economic opportunity, strengthening security and institutions, and fostering lasting relationships.
Canada places great value on building and nurturing relationships with partners in the Americas. In this endeavour, inter-American institutions such as the Inter-American Human Rights Commission, Inter-American Commission on Women, , and are also key forums for hemispheric cooperation.
Canada’s strongest engagement at the OAS is in the areas of democracy, human rights and security. Our specific priorities at the OAS are to:
- contribute to building a stable foundation for the Inter-American Human Rights System in support of diversity and pluralism;
- promote democracy, governance, public safety and security through collaboration with inter-American bodies and agencies; and
- Support multilateral action in the Americas to advance global sustainability goals, including fostering economic growth and opportunity.
A number of Canada’s efforts touch all three of these priorities. Canada’s cross-cutting thematic areas are institutional strengthening, human rights, gender equality and Indigenous populations, security and public safety, and alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Our contributions
Since joining the OAS in 1990, Canada has made significant contributions to the OAS’s collective achievements, including through the establishment of the , the adoption of the , and the elaboration of a . To ensure that the OAS plays an effective role in the hemisphere, Canada has promoted institutional reform. Canada is also working with the OAS to foster both sustainable development and growth with equity.
Through its diplomatic engagement and financial support, Canada has contributed to policy development and the implementation of projects in areas of key Canadian interest that complement and leverage the impact of Canada’s bilateral interventions in the region.
Our office
Canada is represented at the OAS by the . The Mission is the primary channel of communication between Canada, the OAS General Secretariat and the other member states. The role of the Mission is to advance the Canadian government’s objectives and interests through the OAS and to work with hemispheric partners through the organization.
The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the Organization of American States is supported by a team of diplomats and delegates who represent Canada across a range of OAS bodies, including the Permanent Council, the Inter-American Council for Integral Development, committees, agencies and institutions including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission of Women.
The Mission also represents the Canadian government at the Pan American Health Organization.
News
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