Modification - CIDA contact added
(No. 196 - Modification - June 20, 2010 - 2:30 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today welcomed the release of the G-8 Muskoka Accountability Report and highlighted its findings on Canada’s contributions to international development.
“G-8 accountability is a priority for Canada,” said Minister Cannon. “If the G-8 is to remain credible, it must demonstrate that it is keeping its promises. I am proud of Canada’s leadership on accountability and our record of delivering on our commitments.’’
The Accountability Report takes stock of G-8 progress in meeting its recent development commitments. The report is a major step forward in assessing the extent to which the G-8 has lived up to its promises. Its findings demonstrate the G-8’s leadership in catalyzing action, influencing policy and mobilizing resources to address global development challenges.
“This report shows that Canada has a strong record on delivering on G-8 commitments in health, education, food security, peace and security, and to Africa,” said Minister Oda. “Canada is demonstrating the determined political will needed to deliver effective international assistance and achieve sustainable development outcomes.”
Highlights of Canada’s achievements include:
- doubling its international assistance from $2.5 billion in 2001-2002 to $5 billion in the 2010-2011 “Jobs and Growth” budget;
- doubling aid to Africa from 2003-2004 levels to $2.16 billion in 2008-2009;
- untying all food aid and on track to untie all aid by 2012-2013;
- doubling Canadian assistance for sustainable agriculture development to $1.18 billion in 2009;
- increasing investments to address global health challenges affecting the lives of millions; and
- supporting efforts in Africa and Latin America to train peacekeepers to resolve conflicts and build peace.
“We are proud of Canada’s record of achievement and the significant impact we are having on the lives of millions of people in developing countries,” said Minister Oda.
“This report reaffirms that G-8 members must continue to work to meet their commitments and assess their progress,” Minister Cannon said. “As president of the G-8 for 2010 and host of the Muskoka Summit, Canada is ready to do its part.”
Please visit the Accountability section on the G-8 website for the full text of the report, as well as the following fact sheets highlighting Canadian efforts:
- A snapshot of Canada’s progress in key G-8 development commitments
- Making Canadian aid work
- Canada and Africa
- Canada and food security
- Canada and health
- Canada and education
- Canada and water and sanitation
- Canada and peace and security
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Melissa Lantsman
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Muskoka 2010 G-8 Summit media inquiries: 1-877-328-9968 (Canada and the United States); 416-607-2369 (all other locations)
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
