On August 15th, members of the Women, Peace and Security Network – Canada (WPSN-C), including WFMC’s Monique Cuillerier, met with new Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security Jacqueline O’Neill. There was a discussion of the expectations of civil society, which has long advocated for the appointment of a high-level champion for women, peace and security issues in Canada, as well as O’Neill’s initial plans for her role.

O’Neill has worked with more than 30 countries, NATO, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the United Nations in the field of women, peace, and security. As well, she advised the Government of Canada on both the first (2011-2016) and second (2017 to present) national action plans on women, peace, and security.O’Neill was appointed by Prime Minister Trudeau last June, but officially took on her post at the beginning of August.