Canada announces continued support to improve Myanmar’s capacity to adapt to climate change and democratic development

From: Global Affairs Canada

News Release

June 7, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, met today with Aung San Suu Kyi,  State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and announced $20 million in support for two five-year initiatives to increase Myanmar’s resilience to climate change, support democratic development and enhance human rights.

Myanmar is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which can be particularly devastating for low-income households. Canada’s contribution will help provide much-needed financial protection against the economic consequences of climate change and improve the capacity of the government and communities to prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters.

Canada’s support will also contribute to advancing human rights by helping to build a more inclusive and democratic system through strengthened local capacity for research and analysis. This will help better inform economic and social policy making and identify ways for all women and men to participate in and enjoy the benefits of democratization and economic growth.

This funding is in addition to the $8.8 million announced earlier today by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to support peace and provide humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. Canada is a strong supporter of Myanmar’s economic and democratic development. Since 2013, Canada has provided over $95 million in official development assistance to Myanmar.

Quotes

“Canada is helping to improve the prosperity and well-being of Myanmar’s most vulnerable, particularly women, the rural poor and young people. These investments will help to strengthen a more inclusive and accountable government and support Myanmar in its capacity to prepare and respond to natural disasters.”

- The Honorable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

Quick Facts

  • The project announced today to improve Myanmar’s resilience to climate change is part of Canada’s $50-million G7 climate risk insurance initiative, and contributes to its $2.65-billion commitment to help developing countries transition to low-carbon climate-resilient economies by 2020.

  • Myanmar is one of the poorest countries in Asia. Of the country's almost 52 million people, more than one quarter live below the national poverty line.

  • In recent years, Canada’s bilateral relationship with Myanmar has grown significantly, including with respect to development assistance. 

  • The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Effective Development Cooperation in February 2017.

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Contacts

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
marie-emmanuelle.cadieux@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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