1 September 2009
CALGARY
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Calgary will host the 2011 meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank. It is the first time since 1990 that a Canadian city has been chosen to host the prestigious international forum.
“This announcement is testament to Calgary’s increasing stature as a world financial centre,” said the Prime Minister. “We look forward to hosting this vital international forum and doing our part to help our hemispheric neighbours recover from the global recession.”
The Inter-American Development Bank is a primary source of lending for regional development projects in the Western Hemisphere. During the 2009 Summit of the Americas, the Prime Minister announced that Canada would provide temporary additional support to the Bank so that it could increase its lending capacity and provide additional assistance to developing countries struggling with the global recession.
The Prime Minister also highlighted his Government’s success in expanding free and open trade throughout the Americas. The Harper Government has signed free trade agreements with Peru and Colombia, and recently concluded free trade negotiations with Panama.
“Our government will continue to fight protectionism and push for free and open trade throughout the Americas and around the world,” said the Prime Minister. “Expanded trade helps create jobs, improve living standards and ensure greater political and economic stability throughout our entire hemisphere. Those who are pushing for improved ties of investment and trade throughout the Americas can count on a strong and steadfast partner in Canada.”
