Canada supports projects by Développement international Desjardins to promote entrepreneurship in Africa and Latin America.
June 13, 2014 - Lévis, Quebec – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, the Honourable Christian Paradis, accompanied by the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced financial support for Développement international Desjardins (DID) to promote entrepreneurship in Africa and the Americas. Minister Paradis made this announcement after meeting with DID executives in Lévis, Quebec.
“Long-term development depends on a dynamic private sector that can stimulate opportunities for all, including women,” Minister Paradis said. “It is important to support microbusinesses, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, especially in rural areas, to promote inclusive growth and to deploy resources to maximize their positive impact on sustainable development.”
“The Government has a strong partnership with Développement international Desjardins because of the work they do, and the results they deliver. Desjardins is the guardian of Canada’s co-operative model, and the projects announced today will help create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve food security in some of the world’s poorest countries,” Minister Blaney said.
Sustainable economic growth is crucial to reduce global poverty. The Government of Canada is committed to promoting access to financial services such as credit, savings, insurance and payment services. Access to credit and to quality financial services greatly helps to reduce poverty by helping the poor to increase their income, acquire assets and be less vulnerable when unforeseen circumstances occur.
“We wish to thank Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada for renewing its confidence in DID by entrusting us with the execution of these major projects,” said Anne Gaboury, DID’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are very proud that we have thus been given the opportunity to use our expertise to promote food security, private sector development and job creation in the countries involved.”
Sandrine Perion
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
819-953-9528
sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATD_Dev
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DFATDDevelopment
