Canada's Role in NATO
Canada's International Relations
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was started in 1949, by Canada and other nations. NATO's main interest is the service of peace and ensuring security, a corner stone of Canada's relations with Europe.
Currently, there are 19 members in NATO, including the US and Britain. Last year, in 2002, Canada's financial contribution reached $115 million, the sixth largest military and civil budget contributor. Aside from financial contributions, Canada assists in almost all peacekeeping missions, and is actively involved in the war on terrorism. After the high jacking attacks on September 11, 2002, which left thousands dead and millions in shock, NATO created Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. This article states that any attack on a NATO nation launched from outside the nation is interpreted as an attack on all NATO nations. Almost immediately, Canada assisted in military action regarding the war on terrorism.
In November of 2002, the 19 NATO leaders all agreed that Iraq poses a serious threat to the world. They unanimously agreed that Saddam Hussein must disarm and be exiled. Now, nearing the end of March 2003, though all members still pledge their commitment to world peace, NATO has not agreed on what action should take place, due to the disapproval of the UN.
Canadian
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
of Canada to the North Atlantic Council, David Wright
Text
by Daryn Collis
Earth photo
used with permission from NASA
Graphic provided
with permission by http://www.nato.int
Athens District
High School