In fact the Harper government announced their decision only two days after the UN released the dates for Durban III (which is being held in NYC).
The US announces its non-participation in the UNs Durban III conference stating that the anti-racist event has itself become intolerant and anti-Semitic.
Following the lead of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and in response to a campaign by United States senators, the US State Department announced on June 1, 2011 that it will not participate in Durban III, a United Nation’s initiative planned for September 2011 in New York City.
According to the website for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, “At Gillibrand’s Urging, U.S. Announces Pull-Out from U.N. Durban III Summit” June 1, 2011 her bipartisan effort has been successful.
Unlike the US, which waited six months, Canada had a quick response to the announcement of Durban III. Two days after the UN released its plans for the new conference, on November 25, 2010 according to the Agence France-Presse article, “Canada to boycott UN Durban race declaration event” Immigration Minister Jason Kenney stated, “Our government has lost faith in the Durban process. We will not be part of this event, which commemorates an agenda that promotes racism rather than combats it.” He added, “Canada will not participate in this charade any longer.”