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March 25, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
04-20
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND- The Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, federal Minister of Labour, today addressed the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the report of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization. The report, entitled A Fair Globalization - Creating Opportunities for All, points to the urgent need for a more equitable sharing in the benefits of globalization.
The Commission's report acknowledges the present imbalances in the workings of the global economy and calls for the creation of a more "values-based" system-one that puts the social concerns of people at the centre of national and international policies. The report identifies many of the challenges of globalization and proposes ways to address them and move forward.
"Working with our international partners towards fair globalization is a priority for the Government of Canada and for Canadians," said Minister Bradshaw. "I congratulate the members of the World Commission for a very comprehensive report, which provides an excellent basis for dialogue on this important issue."
Internationally, Canada is well positioned to play a leadership role in that dialogue. In the Speech from the Throne, the Government reiterated its commitment to see the benefits of global interdependence spread more fairly throughout the world. It also called for multilateral institutions that work, and for greater collaboration among nations to ensure that economic policies go hand in hand with stronger social programs to alleviate hunger, poverty and disease, and to help raise the standards of living in developing countries.
"Globalization affects us all. It brings risks and opportunities for both developed and developing countries," added Minister Bradshaw. "We need to work together towards a globalization that meets the legitimate aspirations of people everywhere for decent jobs and a better future for their children."
The World Commission's report will be the subject of discussions at the ILO and within other international fora, and will be considered in the context of the Government's review of Canada's international policy.
The World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization, established by the ILO in February 2002, was created to study how the social and economic facets of globalization are inter-related, and to report on ways to improve international policy coherence. The Commission is co-chaired by President Tarja Halonen of Finland and President Benjamin William Mkapa of Tanzania.
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To read more about the ILO World Commission report, visit the ILO Web site at: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/wcsdg/
For more information about international labour affairs, visit the Labour Program Web site at: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/ilaa
For more information:
Denis D'Amour
Office of the Minister of Labour
(819) 953-5646
