Canada's federal government has announced it will re-establish the position of Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, which has remained vacant for over a year. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand made the announcement on Thursday during the inaugural Ottawa Civic Space Summit at the National Arts Centre in downtown Ottawa.
The envoy role was originally created under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government in 2019 to advise on Canada's National Action Plan on women, peace and security. This action plan, first launched in 2011 and currently in its third iteration, aims to shape policies promoting gender equality and protecting women and gender-diverse individuals globally.
Position Vacant Since March 2025
Jacqueline O'Neill, a Canadian diplomat, served as the first and only envoy for this portfolio, with her term ending in March 2025—shortly after Mark Carney succeeded Trudeau as prime minister. The government allowed the position to remain unfilled, drawing criticism from those who accused the Carney Liberals of abandoning the social justice priorities of the previous administration.
Anand did not provide a specific timeline for filling the role but stated it would happen "in the coming weeks." The reinstatement comes as Global Affairs Canada faces budget cuts as part of broader government cost-saving measures.
Background on the Envoy Role
The Envoy for Women, Peace and Security is one of several special envoy positions established during the Trudeau government. The role was designed to provide expert advice and international representation on issues related to women's participation in peace processes, conflict prevention, and protection from gender-based violence.
Critics had argued that leaving the position vacant signaled a retreat from Canada's commitment to feminist foreign policy. The announcement marks a reversal of that stance, reaffirming the government's dedication to the women, peace and security agenda.
