Canada has failed in its attempt to win a temporary seat on the UN Security Council, the group with the power to approve military action, enforce economic sanctions and operate peacekeeping missions. Though some analysts point to issues in Canada's foreign policy as the cause, the Harper government has blamed the Liberal party for the failure.
Of the 15 seats on the council, five are permanent and 10 are temporary (with members elected to two year terms). Countries vote in blocks, with Canada being a member of the "Western Europe or Other" block. The Western European block also nominated Portugal and Germany to the two open seats. After two rounds of voting, Canada's ambassador to the UN (United Nations) John McNee pulled Canada out of the running.
"However, a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, although desirable and prestigious in the eyes of the international community, is really largely symbolic," said Brock University Political Science Professor Nancy Stefueak.
As a temporary member, Canada would have less power than one of the permanent members (The United States, France, China, Russia, and The United Kingdom) who all have veto power. The five permanent members reflect the victorious nations of World War II.
Some see the seat differently. Stewart Patrick, who is a Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington called the seat "something of a bully pulpit" and said that temporary members have an opportunity - though rare - to play "kingmaker".
Harper seems to agree, and has blamed Canada's lost opportunity on Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff.
The doubts stem from a statement Ignatieff made in September, to the press arguing that, "this is a government that for four years has basically ignored the United Nations and now is suddenly showing up saying, 'Hey, put us on the council'".
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