July 11, 2014 – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement:
“As Canadians, we believe in the dignity of all people. We value freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We believe these are principles upon which pluralistic societies are built, and the values to which all human beings are entitled.
“Our government has a principled foreign policy that represents values we share as a country. In the area of international development, for example, for optimal results there must be early intervention in adverse circumstances. Saving the lives of vulnerable women and children is one of the clearest expressions of our Canadian values, and it is Canada’s top development priority. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been championing the health of women and children in developing countries since he launched the G-8 Muskoka Initiative on this issue in 2010. Canada is targeting investment in low-cost, high impact interventions that are saving the lives of women and children and contributing to the elimination of extreme poverty.
“Our efforts have made a meaningful difference. Between 2010 and 2013, our support helped to train more than 75,000 health workers, provide nearly six million children with life-saving vaccinations, and reach nearly two million pregnant women with iron and folic acid supplements each year. As a result, nutrition is improving, the rate of disease is going down, and more and better health care is available. Our support to education programs also helps empower girls and boys with the tools and information they need to stay in school, make informed decisions about their health, and thrive as productive members of their society. Evidence shows that the more educated one is, especially girls and women, the more likely one is to marry later, better time and space pregnancies, and have skills that can contribute to the sustainable economic growth and advancement of one’s country.
“At the Saving Every Woman Every Child Summit that Canada hosted last May, Prime Minister Stephen Harper reaffirmed Canada’s long-term commitment by announcing an additional $3.5 billion to improve the health of women and children from 2015 to 2020, a contribution that will help to save the invaluable lives of millions of people.
“Considering that children and youth in developing countries are an incredible resource and hold tremendous potential to make great contributions to their communities, societies, and economies, Canada is committed to protecting their rights to help them build better futures. Since last October’s announcement of new programming to help address the causes and consequences of child, early and forced marriage in high-prevalence countries around the world, Canada has worked with partners to undertake various initiatives with an aim to protect children’s freedom to make their own life choices. We are also working closely with like-minded partners to ensure that the post-2015 development agenda is focused, measurable and dedicated to eradicating poverty.
“With good health, an education, and an opportunity to pursue each without being subjected to violence, exploitation and abuse, children stand a far greater chance of becoming good citizens, enhancing their societies, strengthening their economy and supporting their families.
“On World Population Day, we proudly reaffirm our commitment to making a difference in the lives of people in need around the world.”
Christian Paradis
Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
