The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, on the margins of the G7 Summit of Foreign and Development Ministers.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today issued the following statement:
Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against the following individuals and entities in relation to the coup perpetrated by Myanmar’s armed forces in February 2021.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced additional sanctions against 4 entities under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations in response to the Myanmar military’s ongoing repression of the people of Myanmar and the escalating violence, eroding human rights situation and worsening humanitarian crisis in the country, as well as the regime’s refusal to take concrete action to restore democracy.
As part of its inclusive approach to trade, Canada is developing and implementing policies to ensure that Indigenous peoples in Canada have access to all the benefits and opportunities that flow from international trade and investment.
On the occasion of the Summit for Democracy, the undersigned members of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) affirm that the revitalization of democracy within our own nations and around the world is essential to promoting and protecting human rights, especially for those most vulnerable including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons. Threats to the rule of law, rising levels of inequality, authoritarianism, and corruption are eroding democracy in every region, with grave consequences for LGBTI persons, among others. Persistent criminalization of LGBTI status and ongoing violence and discrimination undermine the ability of LGBTI persons to fully participate in democratic and political processes.
In addition to increasing the participation of Canadians in international development, the Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP) contributes to the economic and social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and most vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in developing countries. With a budget of almost $418 million, the VCP will fund 13 volunteer projects through 15 Canadian organizations, from 2020 to 2027.
Volunteering for international development is a powerful and cross-cutting way to advance the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Every day, volunteers dedicate their time and effort to ensure the inclusion of those often left behind and promote gender equality.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will take part in the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers Meeting in Liverpool, United Kingdom, from December 10 to December 12, 2021.
Canada has announced a financial contribution of $195 million for 11 projects with Canadian and international partners. A portion of this funding is part of the $520 million pledged by Canada at the launch of the Nutrition for Growth Year of Action a year ago.