Canada making international assistance more effective and accountable
June 27, 2014 - Ottawa, ON - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced that Canada is reinforcing its commitment to eradicating global poverty by focusing 90 percent of its bilateral programming in 25 development countries of focus.
“With the launch of the Aid Effectiveness Agenda in 2009, our government made Canada’s international assistance more focused, more effective and more accountable,” said Minister Paradis. “Through this approach Canada has delivered concrete results for those in need around the world. Canada is continuing down this successful path, enhancing our focus, and strengthening our commitment to accountability and results. Canadians can be proud to be making a difference and saving lives.”
To further increase transparency and accountability for results, Canada will also establish mutual accountability frameworks with partner countries. These frameworks will: establish mutual expectations; stress the importance of Canadian principles and values; establish greater transparency and predictability in how investments are spent; and set clear targets for the results Canada and its partners want to achieve.
“An unwavering commitment to accountability underpins all of Canada’s development programming,” added Minister Paradis. “Our government is committed to delivering real and accountable results to those in need, and transparency for Canadian taxpayers. Canada is already ranked among the most transparent donors in the world. Mutual Accountability Agreements will not only increase predictability for our implementing partners, but also set clear targets for both Canada and partner countries.”
In addition, Minister Paradis confirmed that Canada will maintain a number of smaller bilateral programs in countries known as development partners. He also reaffirmed that Canada will continue to provide humanitarian assistance on an as-needed basis—not limited to the list of development countries of focus, but guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and political independence.
Sandrine Périon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343 203 6238
sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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