Anand calls for greater strategic autonomy in UN address

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand used Canada’s address to the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday to argue that major powers are weakening global economic cooperation and that countries like Canada need more strategic autonomy. Anand said Canada wants to work more closely with other middle powers on issues such as emerging technology, critical minerals, defence production and energy, while also defending the rule of law and state sovereignty. She also tied Canada’s foreign policy message to support for Ukraine, Palestinians and Israelis, NATO, the International Criminal Court and efforts to address hatebased violence, including antisemitism. The speech echoed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent emphasis on middle powers working together in a changing international order.