The Organization of American States is the world's oldest regional organization. It originated in 1890 as the International Union of American Republics, with its Secretariat, the Commercial Bureau of the American Republics. In 1910, this organization became the Pan American Union. Nearly forty years later, in April 1948, 21 countries joined together to establish the Organization of American States.
This year, Canada celebrates the 15th anniversary of its adhesion to the OAS. Canada became a full Member State of the OAS in January 1990, after 18 years as a Permanent Observer.
Canada views the OAS as the key hemispheric forum to promote Canadian interests in the Americas (democratic development, human rights, good governance, regional and human security, public safety, economic equity and sustainable development) and address challenges of democratic governance and of failing States in the region. Canada strongly supports and actively participates in the work of the various OAS bodies, and has signed and ratified a number of treaties that reflect its commitment to the Inter-American system and the promotion of Canada's key foreign policy objectives.
Canada is the second largest contributor to the OAS with annual assessed contribution representing 12.36% of OAS Regular Budget (US$ 9.2 million in 2004-2005). Additional Canadian voluntary contribution of approximately CAD$ 9 million annually plus voluntary contributions to specific projects, including electoral observation missions, action on landmines, counter-drug activities, mutual legal assistance, and consultations with civil society.