Global Connections · Term 3

Canada and the United Nations

Investigating Canada's historical and current involvement in the United Nations, including its role in peacekeeping and global initiatives.

About This Topic

Canada has a long and proud history as a 'middle power' on the global stage, particularly through its work with the United Nations. This topic investigates Canada's historic role in peacekeeping and its current efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students learn how Canada uses 'soft power' to influence international affairs.

This unit also addresses the challenges of modern peacekeeping and the debate over Canada's declining role in UN missions. This topic comes alive when students can engage in a 'Model UN' simulation, representing Canada's interests on a global issue like climate change or human rights, fostering a deeper understanding of international diplomacy.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: Model UN

Students represent Canada and other nations in a mock UN session. They must negotiate a resolution on a global issue (e.g., plastic pollution), balancing their national interests with the need for global cooperation.

⏱ 90 min·Small Groups

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Inquiry Circle: Canada and the SDGs

Groups are assigned one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. They research how Canada is performing on that goal at home and how it is helping other countries achieve it.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The Peacekeeping Myth

Pairs discuss whether Canada is still a 'peacekeeping nation' given that we have fewer troops on UN missions than in the past. They share their thoughts on what Canada's new role should be.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Canada is the world's leading peacekeeping nation.

What to Teach Instead

While we helped invent modern peacekeeping, our contribution of troops has declined significantly since the 1990s. Analyzing 'UN troop contributor' data helps students see our current standing.

Common Misconception

The UN is a 'world government' that can tell Canada what to do.

What to Teach Instead

The UN is a forum for cooperation, but Canada remains a sovereign nation. Discussing 'resolutions' vs. 'laws' helps students understand how international influence actually works.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canada's role in the United Nations?

Canada is a founding member of the UN and plays an active role in many of its agencies, focusing on human rights, peacekeeping, environmental protection, and international development.

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals adopted by all UN member states in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030.

Is Canada still a 'peacekeeping nation'?

While peacekeeping remains a part of Canada's identity, the nature of our involvement has shifted from sending large numbers of troops to providing specialized equipment, training, and funding.

How can active learning help students understand Canada's role in the UN?

International diplomacy can feel like a series of boring meetings. Active learning through 'Model UN' simulations and SDG investigations makes the process dynamic and high-stakes. By taking on the role of a diplomat, students learn the art of negotiation and the difficulty of reaching a global consensus. These strategies help them understand that Canada's influence depends on its ability to build bridges and lead by example.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU