June 5, 2013
OTTAWA — The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, will represent Canada at the pre-G8 Nutrition for Growth: Beating Hunger through Business and Science meeting in London, England on June 8. Today, in advance of the meeting, Minister Fantino met with ONE, an international, anti-poverty organization to accept its support for Canada’s leadership on nutrition and food security.
"Our Government welcomes ONE's support for Canada's efforts as a lead donor to global nutrition," said Minister Fantino. "Canada's nutrition and food security investments are helping communities address hunger and find solutions for lasting food security so they can lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty."
Representatives from G8 and other countries, civil society organizations, and the private sector will convene on June 8 to harness innovation in support of nutrition and food security by deepening engagement with the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement and the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition.
In accepting ONE's global appeal asking world leaders to make measurable commitments to reduce chronic malnutrition for 25 million children by 2016, Minister Fantino noted that lasting relief from hunger will require effort from the entire international community.
"Canada is a trailblazer in the fight against chronic undernutrition," said Jay Heimbach, senior director of government relations at ONE. "Canada is a global leader in support of basic nutrition, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of its total assistance budget. Thanks to this leadership, Canada helped feed 23 million children in 2011, provided 200 million children with vitamin A supplements, and increased access to iodized salt from below 20 percent to 70 percent."
"Hunger and undernutrition continue to stall the economic development of communities," said Minister Fantino. "The Harper Government believes that engaging the private sector in improving food security through innovative partnerships with developing countries can lead to long-lasting results and poverty alleviation."
Economic Action Plan 2013 reaffirms Canada's commitment to international development investments including those aimed at increasing food security and nutrition. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain the mandate of poverty alleviation and help achieve greater efficiency, accountability and focus to continue to improve the lives of people in need around the world.
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