Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization of American States

Paul Durand

For the third time since joining the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1990, Canada took on the role of Chair of the Permanent Council for the period of January 5-March 31, 2004. Canada's term as Chair was marked by a busy agenda during which the OAS addressed urgent developments in the hemisphere, notably in Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela. During this period the OAS also considered commitments made by Leaders at the Special Summit of the Americas (Monterrey, Mexico).

His Excellency Paul Durand is currently Canada's Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States. The Council is composed of one Permanent Representative of each of the 34 active member states, especially accredited by the government thereof, with the rank of ambassador.

The Permanent Council meets regularly to address hemispheric developments and to discuss any matter referred to it by the annual General Assembly. Between meetings of the General Assembly, the Permanent Council acts as the primary decision-making body of the Organization. To facilitate its work, the Permanent Council has established several committees. These include the General Committee, the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs, the Committee on Hemispheric Security, the Committee on Inter-American Summits Management and Civil Society Participation in OAS Activities, and various working groups. When necessary, emergency or special sessions of the Permanent Council are convened to address issues of an urgent nature.

Within the Permanent Council, Canada works to ensure that Canadian priorities are reflected in the work of the OAS. These priorities include democratic governance, human rights, security, and the involvement of civil society in the activities of the organization.

Live webcasts of Permanent Council meetings can be viewed on the OAS website.