Statement on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

May 29, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety; and the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement:

“Canada honours the more than 125,000 Canadians who have served in UN peace operations over the past 80 years, including the 124 who gave their lives in service. These brave Canadians are among the more than 4,430 UN peacekeepers worldwide who have lost their lives in the service of peace.

“Earlier this month, Canada pledged over $40 million to modernize peacekeeping. This includes support for training, airlift operations and efforts to protect peacekeepers and civilians from misinformation, hate speech and targeted violence.

“This year, as we mark 25 years of the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda, Canada is also investing in ways to increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in global peace efforts.

“In a more dangerous and divided world, peacekeeping matters. Canada will continue to step up, working with allies to build peace, strengthen security and protect human rights.”