Canada Supports Partnership for Democratic Governance

News Release

July 13, 2007
No. 93
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of
International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages,
today announced that Canada will partner with the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other donor countries to launch a
Partnership for Democratic Governance.
“This government has made clear its strong commitment to advancing democracy in the
world,” said Minister MacKay. “Canada’s support of the Partnership for Democratic
Governance is a firm sign of that commitment. This initiative will advance democratic
practices abroad by helping to provide fledgling democracies with the capacity to
govern well and deliver essential services.”
“One of the key development challenges in the 21st century is determining how to help
developing countries to improve governance and build stronger and more sustainable
institutions, accessing effective and coordinated support from outside,” added Minister
Verner. “This partnership will provide the opportunity to make practical progress in this
area.”
Canada will contribute $1.8 million over three years to partner with the OECD in
establishing an advisory unit to respond to requests from developing countries for
delivery of core democratic state functions. Initially, the Partnership for Democratic
Governance will focus on strengthening central governance practices. Support will be
provided to key sectors such as justice, customs and revenue collection, banking and
budget development. Canada’s contribution will ensure that governments are more
responsive to the needs of their citizens, delivering public goods and services in an
accountable and transparent manner.
The Partnership for Democratic Governance is an important new tool for democracy
building. In responding to the Parliamentary Report on Canada and International
Democratic Development released on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, the government will
consider the full range of tools that Canada can use—such as this new OECD
initiative—to play an effective role in supporting democracy abroad.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
Nicole Lascelle
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
http://www.cida.gc.ca

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Canada Supports Partnership for Democratic Governance

News Release

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