August 15, 2012 - The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), today announced Government of Canada support for the delivery of training courses in the Dominican Republic focused on tackling organized crime. The announcement came following a meeting with Carlos Morales Troncoso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic.
“The minister and I agree that the illicit drug trade and associated violence threaten security and governance and make it difficult to maintain an environment in which trade, investment and economic growth can flourish,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “Our government is pleased to provide this support to bolster security in the Dominican Republic. We know that as we work together to increase economic opportunity and prosperity, we must also work together to take on the security challenges we face.”
The specialized training courses will be offered to the Dominican Republic’s Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (national drug control directorate) (DNCD) and will focus on illicit drugs and organized crime investigations, evidence gathering and forensic interviewing techniques. Funded through Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP) and implemented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the courses will enhance the DNCD’s ability to investigate transnational organized criminal activity, leading to increased convictions in the Dominican Republic.
In the past fiscal year, the ACCBP contributed $8 million to the Caribbean region, including approximately $612,000 to the Dominican Republic, through regional programming efforts.
“We remain committed to expanding Canada’s engagement in the Americas, as we work with like-minded partners throughout the region to increase economic growth, strengthen regional security, and develop and nurture long-term relationships,” said Minister of State Ablonczy.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Gemma Collins
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
613-944-1291
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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