Minister Fortier participates in the launch of the OECD Centre on Well-being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity

News release

November 25, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to better incorporating quality of life measurements into government decision-making. As Canada continues to take action in the fight against COVID-19, this work will help ensure all Canadians have the support they need, and benefit from a strong, sustainable and broad recovery once the virus is defeated.

Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, participated in a virtual roundtable for the launch of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Centre on Well-being, Inclusion, Sustainability and Equal Opportunity (WISE). During the event, she spoke of ensuring that the Government’s ongoing response to COVID-19, and long-term plans for recovery prioritize inclusive growth and Canadians’ quality of life. She also highlighted Canada’s commitment to develop a quality of life framework to support this work.

Minister Fortier discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities in Canada and around the world. Minister Fortier highlighted that Canada’s ongoing efforts to address the pandemic, and its long-term plan for recovery are focused on supporting Canadians and pursuing an inclusive, resilient and sustainable economy and society, taking into account Canadians’ quality of life. The Minister also highlighted how Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan is focused on providing immediate support to those who need it the most, including families, seniors, workers who have lost their jobs, small businesses, and community organizations.

The government remains committed to taking action in the fight against COVID-19, and to help ensure all Canadians have the support they need, and benefit from a strong, sustainable and inclusive recovery once the virus is defeated.

Quotes

“The social, economic, and health impacts of COVID-19 have been unprecedented. Our top priority remains helping Canadians through the pandemic. As we work to defeat the virus, we are focused on finding solutions that improve Canadians’ quality of life in the months and years to come. In the long-term, as we look to recovery, we will build back a stronger, more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient country for generations.”

- The Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance

Quick facts

  • Canada is one of the 20 founding members of the OECD, an international organisation whose goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.

  • Looking “Beyond GDP” at broader elements of quality of life and well-being is gaining traction around the globe, including as part of the OECD work on inclusive growth. Roughly half of the countries in the OECD have formally adopted sets of indicators that measure their citizens’ well-being.

  • WISE’s mission includes strengthening the measurement of well-being, inequalities, inclusion and sustainability, as well as better understanding the impact that policies and business actions have on people’s lives today, and on the sustainability of well-being over time.

Associated links

Contacts

Media may contact:

Daniele Medlej
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance
Daniele.Medlej@canada.ca
613-762-9446

Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000

General enquiries

Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca

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