The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate due to the illegal seizure of territory by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its barbaric practices of terrorizing religious and ethnic minorities; murdering, torturing and raping women and children; and its summary execution of persons who do not agree with its ideology. Since January 2014 an estimated 1.8 million people have been displaced throughout the country, which represents one of the largest cases of internal displacement in the world. The United Nations estimates that the current crisis has affected nearly 900,000 children who now face severe and multiple deprivations, exposure to violence and abuse, as well as the reality of losing educational and other important developmental opportunities.
Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, was joined by Anthony Lake, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), to announce Canada's commitment to address the education and protection needs of conflict-affected children in Iraq. Minister Paradis made the announcement following a meeting with Mr. Lake and key Canadian stakeholders to discuss child education in emergencies.
| Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
| news releases
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of Parliament Kelly Block (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar) today announced an investment of up to $2.16 million to the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) to address the crop sector's need for improved crop research and development.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today concluded his bilateral visit to Ireland. In his meeting with Charles Flanagan, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Baird discussed a range of bilateral and international issues and highlighted Canada and Ireland's shared values, including freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Philippe Couillard, Premier of Quebec, Robert Poëti, Quebec Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montréal Region, and Claude Carignan, Leader of the Government in the Senate, today inaugurated a segment of Highway 35 between Saint-Jean-Richelieu and Highway 133 in Saint-Sébastien. Also present for the occasion were Peter Shumlin, Governor of Vermont, and Pierre Paradis, Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Minister responsible for the Montérégie region
The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today delivered remarks hosted by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, in which he discussed Canada's role as a secure, stable and responsible producer and supplier of energy.
| Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
| media advisories
Event date: October 20, 2014 - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism) (Agriculture), will deliver remarks to Vancouver-area entrepreneurs at the launch of the Business Development Bank of Canada's Small Business Week 2014.
