In September 2000, Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) provided support for the United Nations Association in Canada’s new Model United Nations Programme. In early 2002, the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) began to contemplate the possibility of holding an international Model UN Conference in Canada for Canadian and international university students. Given the impressive results of a feasibility study conducted in February 2002, UNA-Canada, in continuing partnership with DFAIT, announced on August 22nd, 2002, the launch of the first Canadian International Model United Nations (CANIMUN), held from 12-15 March 2003, in the city of Ottawa.

CANIMUN 2003 involved more than 800 participants and volunteer staff members from every province in Canada and more than 15 countries around the world and was a tremendous success. Originally intended as a one-time event, a petition requesting future CANIMUNs was circulated amongst participants of CANIMUN 2003 and was signed by hundreds of participants and volunteers. This spoke volumes to the inherent success and popularity of CANIMUN and subsequently, on 11 July 2003, UNA-Canada was pleased to announce that CANIMUN 2004 would take place from 10-13 March 2004. CANIMUN 2004 was once again a huge success, and the legacy continued through events in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

In 2010, CANIMUN left the National Capital Region and headed west to Vancouver, British Columbia, taking place during the 2010 Paralympic Games. In 2012 CANIMUN travelled again, this time to Edmonton, Alberta.

For its 10th Anniversary CANIMUN returned to Ottawa bringing with it many exciting events, including embassy visits, social events and unique keynote speakers. Today, CANIMUN has returned to Ottawa where continues on its journey to establish itself as Canada’s foremost educational forum on the United Nations for undergraduate, college and CEGEP students.