November 26, 2008
No. 223
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Chair of Canada's Cabinet Committee on Afghanistan, today released the government's second quarterly report on progress made toward achieving Canada's benchmarks through 2011 in Afghanistan.
"It is clear that we face very serious dangers and challenges from a determined enemy in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that the security situation deteriorated during the summer 'fighting season,' progress continues to be made there. As highlighted in this report, we are on track to achieve our long-term policy objectives in Afghanistan and to build a strong foundation that will make Afghanistan better governed, more secure and more prosperous for its people," said Minister Day.
Canada's efforts are guided by six priorities (enable Afghan National Security Forces; strengthen institutional capacity to deliver core services and promote economic growth; provide humanitarian assistance for extremely vulnerable people; enhance border security by facilitating dialogue between Afghan and Pakistani authorities; help advance Afghanistan's capacity for democratic governance; and facilitate Afghan-led political reconciliation). Canada is also working on three signature projects: the Dahla Dam project; the construction, repair or expansion of 50 schools in key districts; and the eradication of polio in Afghanistan.
Each of these priorities and signature projects has associated benchmarks to measure how our efforts are progressing. As highlighted in the report, notable achievements to date include:
• Each of the five Afghan army battalions (kandaks) in Kandahar now has an effective strength of over 70 percent. They are gaining in both confidence and capability.
• Through an aggressive demining campaign, 180 square kilometres of land has been cleared of mines and made available for community use, including agriculture. The number of mine victims declined by 19 percent from last year.
• The goal of the Dahla Dam is to create 10,000 seasonal jobs and provide the basis for expanded agricultural activity in the region. With a more secure and stable water supply, farmers can begin to grow crops that require more water, such as fruit crops. This project will focus on legitimate agricultural development and include activities such as supporting cropping alternatives and better on-farm water management, promoting increased access to markets, and providing agriculture credit to enable farmers to get their crops in and growing.
• Preliminary work for the Dahla Dam has been initiated and it is expected that a Canadian contractor will be announced shortly to take the work forward.
• Over 60 infrastructure projects were completed in key districts between June and September. In addition to providing employment, these projects allow for the increased movement of people and goods.
• Three new schools have been completed. One of these completions falls within the period of the report released today. There are 14 more schools under construction as part of the effort to build, repair or expand 50 schools in key districts of Kandahar.
• Education efforts have resulted in six million children attending school in Afghanistan today (one third of them girls), compared to just 700,000 (all of them boys) in schools in 2001.
• Close to 11,000 Afghans (9,000 women) continued to receive literacy training this past quarter through Canadian support. This number continues to rise.
• A total of seven million children have now received vaccinations through our polio eradication program. Between January and September 2008, 20 new polio cases were reported in the southern region, demonstrating a compelling need for the campaign. Canada is prepared to meet this challenge.
"Despite security challenges in the last few months, Afghans and Canadians are starting to see a difference. Schools are being built, more Afghans are learning to read and write, more children are being vaccinated against polio in Kandahar and throughout Afghanistan, and we are laying the necessary groundwork for the repair of the Dahla Dam," said the Honourable Beverly J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation and Vice-Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Afghanistan.
The Canadian government committed to having established benchmarks in September 2008. These quarterly reports provide the Government of Canada with a means of reporting frankly and honestly to Canadians on the progress being made.
The second quarterly report on Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan can be found at www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/documents/r11_08/index.aspx.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-6186
Michelle Coates
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
