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Articles by Louise T. Blais
Washington Still Wants a Say at the United Nations, for Better or Worse
By Louise Blais October 26, 2026 The contest to choose the next United Nations Secretary-General offers a useful corrective to the assumption that Washington has lost interest in the institution. Indeed, an administration that frequently disparages the UN is actively seeking to shape its leadership. That does not necessarily signal renewed confidence in multilateral cooperation, yet it does suggest that the organization retains enough influence to make its future worth contesting.
‘They’ Were Not Under Attack, We Were: Remembering Canadian Solidarity on 9/11
By Louise Blais September 10, 2026 As I read Senator Peter Boehm’s account in Policy magazine of being at the Canadian Embassy in Washington on September 11, 2001, vivid memories of that morning came rushing back. As Cultural Attaché at the embassy, I had a television, so staff gathered in my office and together saw the second plane hit the World Trade Center in real time. One colleague had a sibling who worked in one of the towers. We gasped and held his hand.
The Carney Speech: Declaring Strategic Autonomy Without Leverage is an Invitation to Pressure
By Louise Blais January 22, 2026 When leaders gathered in Davos this year, two speeches stole the show. Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke candidly about a world in which economic interdependence has become a tool of coercion rather than cooperation. President Donald Trump, less eloquently but by contrast, embraced that reality outright, presenting tariffs and leverage as instruments of national strength. In doing so, he effectively called Canada’s bluff.
Georgia and Canada: More Than Friends-Family
While national headlines may focus on the broader U.S.-Canada relationship, Georgia’s connection with Canada is distinct, deep-rooted, and thriving. Years ago, a U.S. Consul General in Toronto referred to Canadians as “Georgians of the North”—a sentiment that still holds true today. But this bond goes beyond goodwill and friendliness. It is a partnership built on business, education, culture, and economic growth—one that directly impacts thousands of Georgians every day.
Canada and Trump II: We Don’t Need a Minister of American Relations
As published by Policy Magazine As part of the Trudeau government’s preparation for a second Trump administration, the idea of a minister dedicated to Canada’s relationship with the United States has reportedly been discussed.
The UNGA: Our Flawed, Still-Crucial Global Forum
Yes, the two-week annual diplomacy jamboree has its shortcomings; it’s what gets done on the margins that matters. UN/X By Louise Blais September 24, 2024 The annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), especially its High-Level Week, grows in scope and size every year. Once the exclusive playground of world leaders and diplomats, the annual event now bursts at the seams with hundreds of side events and parallel summits such as this year’s Summit of the Future.
Adios ‘Three Amigos’, ¡Hola! ‘El Trio’: Canada and Presidenta Sheinbaum
As published in Policy Magazine With Claudia Sheinbaum’s landslide victory in Mexico’s presidential election, North America finally gets its first Jewish head of government and Mexico gets North America’s first elected woman leader. And just like that, the “Three Amigos” trilateral branding that has framed North American Leaders Summits (NALS) since 2005 needs to be mothballed and replaced by something less unwieldy than “Two Amigos and an Amiga”. Perhaps the gender-neutral and trilingual “Trio”?
Adios 'Three Amigos', ¡Hola! 'El Trio': Canada and Presidenta Sheinbaum
President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum on election night, June 2/Claudia Sheinbaum X By Louise Blais June 5, 2024 With Claudia Sheinbaum’s landslide victory in Mexico’s presidential election, North America finally gets its first Jewish head of government and Mexico gets North America’s first elected woman leader.
The UN Chief Must Demand a Full Ceasefire in Gaza and Nothing Less
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The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was the target of unprecedented verbal attacks from the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, after a meeting of the Security Council on Oct. 24, when he called on the UN leader to resign immediately.
By Louise T. Blais, Joseph Chamie, Damilola Banjo Verified, Dulcie Leimbach Verified, Dawn Clancy, Moncef Khane
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Week Ending Nov. 3
Welcome to This Week @UN, where we summarize the most important news emanating from the organization as well as promote our own articles that you may have missed in the last seven days. The agonizing toll on civilians caught in the middle of the Gaza war remains the foremost focus at the UN. Herein, news on Mali, Pakistan, Syria and China as well.
Is China the Right Country to Call for a Cease-Fire in Gaza?
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China wants to use its monthly rotating presidency in the United Nations Security Council to intensify international calls for a "cease-fire" in the war in Gaza, as Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, said. He spoke to reporters on Nov. 1, detailing his country's plans to lead the Council in November.
By Damilola Banjo Verified, Louise T. Blais, Dawn Clancy, Arthur Bassas, Joseph Chamie, Hasmik Egian
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Volunteer Doctors Went to Rebel-Held Northwest Syria to Help Save Lives. Then the Bombs Started.
IDLIB, Syria - In early October, a suicide drone ripped through a graduation ceremony at a military academy in Homs, Syria, killing and injuring dozens of civilians and cadets while delivering an equally devastating blow to the psyche of the Syrian regime and its embattled leader, President Bashar al-Assad. Although no group took responsibility for the Oct.
The First Step Toward World Peace? Fix the UN
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The saddest part of the spectacle of three competing United Nations Security Council resolutions on the Israel-Hamas conflict all failing in the last few weeks is that it was classic Council intractability and, as such, not a surprise. The inability of the Council to uphold and apply the UN Charter is all too familiar.
By Louise T. Blais, Joseph Chamie, Hasmik Egian, Dawn Clancy, Arthur Bassas, Dulcie Leimbach Verified
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The First Step Toward World Peace: Fix the United Nations
The saddest part of the spectacle of three competing UN Security Council resolutions on the Israel-Hamas conflict all failing this week is that it was classic UNSC intractability and, as such, not a surprise. The inability of the Council to uphold and apply the UN Charter is all-too familiar. Decades of gridlock and self-interest on the part of certain members of the P5 were capped in 2022, when Russia, the aggressor, was able to veto Ukraine-related resolutions.
The First Step Toward World Peace: Fix the United Nations
The United Nations Security Council/AP Louise Blais October 27, 2023 The saddest part of the spectacle of three competing UN Security Council resolutions on the Israel-Hamas conflict all failing this week is that it was classic UNSC intractability and, as such, not a surprise. The inability of the Council to uphold and apply the UN Charter is all-too familiar.
As the Presidential Election Approaches, Expect Worse Relations Between the Congo and the UN
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Mark Twain once said: "History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme." Twain's aphorism certainly applies to the United Nations' relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which have been characterized by periodic episodes of contention and crisis. Those relations are again in disrepair echoing crises from the past. As presidential elections approach in December, the prospects portend more fraught dynamics with the country and the UN. On Sept.
By Alan Doss, Louise T. Blais, Joseph Chamie, Damilola Banjo Verified, Dawn Clancy, Dulcie Leimbach Verified
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Canadian diplomacy needs to find its way back from the wilderness
Among Canadian foreign-policy watchers, it has become a cliché to say that Canada has lost influence on the world stage. So much so that this reality, which should otherwise be shocking and distressing, has been instead quietly accepted as a fact, even inside “Fort Pearson” (a.k.a. Global Affairs Canada headquarters). How did we get here? What is at stake? And, most important, why and how we should change course?
Louise Blais
Louise Blais Louise Blais was a Canadian ambassador, deputy permanent representative to the United Nations and consul general of Canada in Atlanta. She is diplomat-in residence at Université Laval and at Georgia Techâs Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. X: @blais_louise
Why America’s Election is Canada’s Business
|In Uncategorized, September-October 2023 Business Council of Canada President Goldy Hyder with US Rep. Brian Higgins, Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus/Courtesy BCC. Goldy Hyder and Louise Blais August 24, 2023 One could say without exaggeration that Canadians follow American elections just as closely as they do their own federal politics. And rightly so. Our economy and security are fully intertwined with our southern neighbour, a superpower and still the largest economy in the world.
Driven by a Racist Massacre in Her Hometown, This Woman Is Jumping Into Politics to Stop the Hate
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BUFFALO, N.Y. - On Mother's Day weekend in the United States, families across Buffalo were commemorating a mass shooting of exactly one year ago. Occurring at the only supermarket in the city's Masten District, the massacre killed 10 people and wounded 3 others. Zeneta Everhart, 41, whose son survived the shooting on May 14, 2022, is aiming to shake up her small part of the world in a big way through local politics and to upset the all-male city council in an election this month.
By Laura E. Kirkpatrick Verified, Moncef Khane, Dulcie Leimbach Verified, Damilola Banjo Verified, Louise T. Blais, Joseph Chamie
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Our blasé approach to intelligence makes Canada a choice target
Canada’s Place in the World Digital Economy and Cybersecurity Global Affairs As published in The Globe and Mail Listening to national security adviser Jody Thomas’s testimony about Chinese interference in the House of Commons last week, everything I heard rang true. In my time in government as a senior diplomat, I had access to that infamous “secure system” she referenced. In fact, I was a keen consumer of its intel information. However, I was the exception.
Keeping up with the U.S. on permitting reform
Canada’s prosperity relies on global stability, the rules-based multilateral trading system, cooperation among like-minded partners and respect for sovereign states. Canada is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, which are the source of much of the country’s prosperity. Canadian energy producers and mining companies are key enablers of the transition to a low-carbon economy.
A Message From North America’s CEOs: ‘Stronger Together’ is More than a Slogan
Business Council of Canada President Goldy Hyder, US Chamber of Commerce President Suzanne Clark and El Consejo Coordinador Empresarial President Francisco Cervantes/BCC Louise Blais May 28, 2023 Four months after the latest North American Leader’s Summit (NALS), or “Three Amigos” heads-of-government meeting was held in Mexico City, CEOs from Canada, the United States and Mexico met in Washington last week to adopt the same Team North America approach to continental competitiveness.
Israel's New Government Requires Changes in UN Strategy to the Palestinian Crisis
António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, told the Security Council recently that he was "very concerned" about "unilateral initiatives" by the new Israeli government, noting that "the rule of law is at the heart of achieving a comprehensive peace" and "in line with UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements." The deteriorating situation in Palestine is indeed concerning and calls for a fundamental change in vision and approach by the UN to the problem.
Policy Dispatches: My Bodyguard ... or Fast, Furious and Safe in Mexico City
|In Policy Special, Policy Dispatches Louise Blais January 13, 2023 Policy Dispatches are pieces combining travel, policy and political writing from foreign datelines. Having recently retired from Canada’s foreign service, I welcomed the opportunity to participate in the North American Leaders Summit (NALS) — or “Three Amigos” meeting — in Mexico City, as part of the CEO delegation led by Business Council of Canada President Goldy Hyder.
Blais: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has let down the whole world
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When the global community desperately needs a moral compass — think Ukraine, COVID, social justice — we are stuck with a C-grade UN Secretary General. Article content Before the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, many Canadians would have been hard-pressed to name the current Secretary General of the United Nations.
Blais: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has let down the whole world
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. When the global community desperately needs a moral compass — think Ukraine, COVID, social justice — we are stuck with a C-grade UN Secretary General. Article content Before the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, many Canadians would have been hard-pressed to name the current Secretary General of the United Nations.
Blais: The case for a UN-mandated mission in Ukraine
Such a diffuse, protective and defensive mission would make it much harder for Russia's Vladimir Putin to retaliate than if NATO were to act on its own. Author of the article: Louise Blais Protesters against the Russian invasion of Ukraine gather outside the United Nations building during a UN General Assembly special session on the violence in Ukraine on March 2 in New York.
Blais: The case for a UN-mandated mission in Ukraine
Such a diffuse, protective and defensive mission would make it much harder for Russia's Vladimir Putin to retaliate than if NATO were to act on its own. Protesters against the Russian invasion of Ukraine gather outside the United Nations building during a UN General Assembly special session on the violence in Ukraine on March 2 in New York.
Proposed electric vehicle tax credit hurts trade and threatens Tennessee jobs | Opinion
Ambassador Louise Blais is acting consul general of Canada to the U.S. Southeast, covering Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. As acting consul general of Canada to Tennessee, I’ve seen firsthand the prosperity that comes from trade between the United States and Canada. Look no further than the auto industry. Through years of specialization and integration, our two countries now lead the world in producing cars, trucks and other vehicles.
LOUISE BLAIS: Bill threatens jobs in SC auto industry
LOUISE BLAIS: Bill threatens jobs in SC auto industry As acting consul general of Canada to South Carolina, I’ve seen firsthand the prosperity that comes from trade between the United States and Canada. Look no further than the auto industry. Through years of specialization and integration, our two countries now lead the world in producing cars, trucks and other vehicles.
Challenging body weight: evidence from a community-based intervention on weight, behaviour and motivation
The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 12 week weight loss intervention within a commercial fitness centre on body weight, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), dietary intake, and behavioural regulations for exercise and healthy eating. Using a quasi-experimental design, the intervention group received weekly coaching sessions and bi-weekly seminars designed to increase MVPA and improve dietary intake.
Can't the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Be Resolved?
After the failure of United States mediated peace talks, the Gaza-Israel war and the recent tensions in Jerusalem, the prospects for a near-term settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have reached an all-time low. Given those conditions, it is useful and perhaps productive to revisit and reconsider the fundamental solutions for resolving the conflict. Numbers, too, help to understand the situations in the region.
Palestinians Move Fast to Join the ICC as Bid for Full Statehood Fails at the UN
The Palestinians' failed proposal to formally establish a state and end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories by late 2017 through a vote in the United Nations Security Council on Dec. 30 continued to reflect the immense influence of the United States on the Palestinians' ability to assert themselves through the world body.
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