OTTAWA – May 13, 2009 – Export Development Canada (EDC) announced today that two employee volunteers have joined a CARE Canada development project for a 16-week placement to help grow existing small agricultural businesses in the Ancash region of Peru.
Marie-Eve Varin-Lacasse and Tim Steed are set to begin work with CARE Peru’s Productivity Development Program, which offers an alternate approach to small-business development, with the goal of reducing poverty in the region.
Varin-Lacasse and Steed will be lending their expertise to several local operations, in order to help grow their businesses, penetrate larger supply chains, create jobs and secure longer term prosperity.
“This venture represents a unique opportunity for our employees to volunteer their talent and know-how, and truly make an impact in a market where it’s needed,” said Eric Siegel, President and CEO of EDC.
“Peru is also a market that EDC has identified as having a great deal of potential for Canadian business, so this partnership with CARE is an ideal union of EDC’s emerging market business goals and its commitment to corporate social responsibility,” Siegel added.
EDC also announced today that it was opening its fourth representation in Latin America in Lima, Peru, in order to expand on the growing trade between Canada and the greater Andean region.
“This is a win-win situation,” said Kevin McCort, President and CEO of CARE Canada. “The communities CARE is helping in Peru will benefit and prosper from the expertise these EDC employees bring, and Canadian exporters will benefit from the experience they bring back.”
These postings are the first as part of EDC’s four-year community investment partnership with CARE Canada to help develop small businesses in various emerging markets where CARE has a presence. EDC has committed $200,000 per year to this partnership.
EDC is Canada’s export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC’s knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 8,300 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining, is a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis, and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for eight consecutive years.
CARE Canada is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty through long-term development and emergency relief. CARE’s success lies in its work alongside women who, when equipped with the proper resources, have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty in the developing world. With the support of Canadians CARE aims to create a world where every person has the opportunity to realize their potential.
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Media contacts:
Phil Taylor
Export Development Canada
Tel: (613) 598 2904
BlackBerry: ptaylor@edc.ca
Kieran Green, Communications Manager
CARE Canada
Tel: (613) 228-5678
Cell: (613) 799-7562
Email: media@care.ca
