Anand tells UN that Canada seeks ‘strategic autonomy,’ relies on civil debate

OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has put “strategic autonomy” at the forefront of Canada’s address to the United Nations General Assembly today.

Anand’s speech echoes Prime Minister Mark Carney’s quest for middle powers to work together by forging deeper ties.

She says Canada supports the International Criminal Court, amid Washington’s quest to dismantle the institution and while critics argue Canada is not calling out American coercion.

Anand also says Canada is ready to work with whoever UN members elect as their next secretary-general regardless of gender, after the Trudeau government had called for a woman to lead the organization.