Canada and Multilateralism: Missing in Action

Group of 78 Luncheon Speaker Series

Carolyn McAskie, O.C.

Canada and Multilateralism: Missing in Action

DATE: Tuesday, April 24, 2012

TIME: 12:00 noon

PLACE: Palais Imperial Restaurant, 311- 313 Dalhousie St., Ottawa

COST: $30 for luncheon and presentation
$5 for presentation only

(For presentation only, please plan to arrive by 12:45. Coffee and tea will be available.)

RESERVATIONS:

group78@web.net or 613-230-0860 by Friday April 20, 2012.

We regret that late registrations cannot be accepted.

The group is required to pay for those who reserve but do not come. 
Therefore, individuals who do not cancel their reservations at least 24 hours before the luncheon will be billed $30.

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For 50 years Canada was a key player in the multilateral arena, such as the United Nations system, the Commonwealth and La Francophonie. It earned a strong reputation for contributing to a healthy dialogue and constructive solutions on many international problems. In the past ten years Canada's orientation to working through international organizations has changed and its reputation and standing have suffered. What happened? Why do many other countries wonder why Canada is "missing in action"? Do these changes stem from the dramatic shifts in the international arena, such as the end of the Cold War and events like 9/11, or from deliberate decisions within the Canadian Government? What are the consequences and opportunities for future directions? Carolyn McAskie will respond to these questions, analyze the changes to Canada's foreign policy, and provide alternatives to strengthening Canada's position in the global community.

Carolyn McAskie served as UN Assistant Secretary General for Peacebuilding, 2006-2008, following her two years as Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Operation in Burundi. Previously she was Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator at the UN Secretariat in New York, serving as Emergency Relief Coordinator. Prior to her engagement with the United Nations, Ms. McAskie had a career with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). She served as Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East Programs and Vice-President of CIDA's Multilateral Programmes Branch, holding the rank of Assistant Deputy Minister. She also served as Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. Throughout her career, Ms. McAskie has played a prominent role in multilateral negotiations as a Canadian delegate to the UN Funds and Programs and in the Governing Councils of the International Financial Institutions, including the African, Asian and Inter-American Development Banks, and the Global Environmental Facility. Carolyn McAskie is an Officer of the Order of Canada.