CHRIS LOWREY
NEW YORK CITY Nov. 20, 2019
Pontiac Liberal MP Will Amos was in New York City on Nov. 20 to deliver a speech in front of . . .
the United Nations General Assembly to mark the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Amos spoke about the need for the UN to mount a concentrated effort to improve the lives of children throughout the world.
“None of us choose where we’re born, least of all children affected by armed conflict,” Amos said. “These kids need protection and they need it now.”
The speech, which was delivered half in French and half in English, was a brief one but it accomplished two main objectives: stressing the importance of protecting young people and promoting Canada as a viable option for one of the upcoming vacant seats on the UN security council.
Although Canada isn’t necessarily known as a military power, Amos said that shouldn’t be an issue.
“It’s not just about military might,” Amos said. “It’s about global migration, it’s about protecting democracy. We Canadians need to stand tall for these values.”
With many commentators voicing concern about the stability of liberal democracy – especially in light of the rise to prominence of several authoritarian regimes in recent years – Amos said Canada can play a significant role in promoting the value of democracy.
“Canada has always played the role of being the grownup in the room,” Amos said.
He also pointed to the sacrifices Canadians have made over the years in conflicts from World War 1 to Afghanistan – not to mention Canada’s peacekeeping tradition – as reasons why Canada deserves a seat at the Security Council table.
“We are a country that is good at bringing the temperature down,” he said. “The rhetoric sometimes runs too hot.”
Canada will be facing off against Norway and Ireland for the two available seats on the security council.
Amos was grateful that he was chosen to address the UN delegates, and said it was the pinnacle of his career to this point.
“It was definitely one of the greatest honours of my political life,” he said.
