There are 5 permanent members on the security council and they all have a veto.  China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States - the countries that are seen to have won WWII.  There are 10 other nations elected for 2 year terms.

Harper was  a typical right wing/neo conservative politician who sneered at the UN.  Then he decided, late in the day, he wanted a seat and engaged in the most cynical of vote buying ploys. Still lost the seat.  Then blamed Ignatieff. 

Possibly a good thing Harper didn't have a drop more power than he roundly abused in his nearly 10 years as PM.