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

  • Dylan Robertson

  • Canadian Press

  • September 26, 2026

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand speaks outside United Nations headquarters during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

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.

Her speech calls for a just peace in Ukraine, self-determination for Palestinians and Israelis, and an end to hate-based violence such as an attack last weekend on an Ontario synagogue.

Anand spoke instead of Carney, who was at the UN from Monday to Wednesday but whose officials said he could not deliver Canada's address due to scheduling issues.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2026.