OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney will not deliver a significant foreign policy speech at the United Nations General Assembly during his upcoming visit. Initially scheduled to speak on September 27, Carney's plans have changed. An updated schedule indicates that Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will represent Canada and address the assembly on September 29 instead.

Carney's office announced that further details regarding this change will be provided later today. He is expected to be in New York from Sunday to Wednesday. During his visit, Carney will participate in discussions focused on Ukraine, Haiti, and the Middle East. He will also attend a summit aimed at reforming financing for development projects, particularly as many governments are reducing foreign aid and funding for climate adaptation.

Anand has confirmed that Canada will formally recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN. However, she clarified that this recognition will not lead to immediate normalization of diplomatic relations or the establishment of a full embassy for the Palestinian Authority in Ottawa. "Normalization is a process that will take place at Canada’s discretion, while formal recognition is a first step," Anand stated.