Canada and the Organization of American States

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the lead multilateral organization in the Americas and anchors a broad network of regional agencies and institutions. It is the hemisphere’s main political forum for member states to discuss, debate and address regional challenges. The OAS focuses its work on democracy, human rights, multidimensional security, integral development and international law. After 28 years as an observer, Canada became a full member of the OAS on January 8, 1990.

Our priorities

As the continent’s premier political forum, the Organization of American States (OAS) is the principal vehicle for advancing Canada's interest in building a more secure, democratic and prosperous region for the benefit of Canadians and the region. Canada places great value on building and nurturing meaningful relationships with partners in the Americas. In this endeavour, inter-American institutions such as the Inter-American Human Rights Commission, Inter-American Commission on Women, Inter-American Development Bank, Pan American Health Organization and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture are key forums for hemispheric cooperation.

Our specific priorities at the OAS are to:

1. Promote sovereignty by supporting democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights;
2. Advance Canadian and hemispheric safety and security through collaboration and coordination with inter-American security and legal bodies, partners and agencies;
3. Foster prosperity by advancing economic diplomacy, supporting global sustainability goals and promoting stable trade and investment frameworks that enable inclusive economic growth.

Canada’s efforts at the OAS address all three of these priorities. In addition, key cross-cutting thematic areas of focus include institutional strengthening, human rights, gender equality, the rights and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, as well as hemispheric security and public safety.

Our contributions

Since joining the OAS in 1990, Canada has made significant contributions to the OAS’s collective achievements, including through the establishment of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the adoption of the Social Charter of the Americas, and the elaboration of a Declaration on Security in the Americas. To ensure that the OAS plays an effective role in the hemisphere, Canada promotes ongoing institutional modernization and reform.

Canada is also working to reduce poverty and inequalities across the region with a particular focus on women and Indigenous Peoples.

Through diplomatic engagement and financial support, Canada contributes to both policy development and project implementation in priority areas that complement and leverage Canada’s bilateral partnerships in the region.

Our office

Canada is represented at the OAS by the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States. The Mission is the primary channel of communication between Canada, the OAS General Secretariat and the other member states. The role of the Mission is to advance the Canadian government’s objectives and interests through the OAS and broader Inter-American system.

The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the Organization of American States is supported by a team of diplomats and delegates who represent Canada across a range of OAS bodies, including the Permanent Council, the Inter-American Council for Integral Development, committees, agencies and institutions including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission of Women.

The Mission also represents the Canadian government at the Pan American Health Organization.

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