Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of International Development and La Francophonie on International Anti-Corruption Day

December 9, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement:

“On International Anti-Corruption Day, we remind ourselves and the world of the corrosive power of corruption. It prevents societies from progressing and individuals from reaching their full potential. Corruption undermines governance, disrupts the market, diverts public resources, endangers lives and impedes development.

“One of its worst consequences is the disproportionate effect it has on people from vulnerable and marginalized groups, for whom corruption reinforces exclusion, discrimination and gender inequalities. Through its Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada is working to address the gender dimensions of corruption so women and girls can equally participate as decision-makers and agents of change in economic, social and political processes.

“Over the past year, Canada has taken important steps to help fight corruption, including by passing the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, which provides us with an additional tool to respond to gross human rights violations and acts of significant corruption anywhere in the world. Canada is also providing technical support to assist other states in their efforts to prevent and combat corruption.  

“No country is free of individuals who engage in dishonest and deceitful behaviour at the public’s expense. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to doing everything in our power to prevent and combat corruption and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

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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