Canada’s leadership promotes inclusive economic growth, support for the most vulnerable and the advancement of democratic principles in the Americas region
December 11, 2014 – Miami, Florida – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, at a Clinton Foundation event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Summit of the Americas, Lois Brown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, the Honourable Christian Paradis, emphasized Canada’s leadership in stimulating inclusive sustainable economic growth, helping those in greatest need, and advancing democracy in the Americas region.
“Development cooperation is a key component of Canada’s engagement in the Americas,” said PS Brown. “Canada’s development assistance is addressing pressing challenges for vulnerable groups in the region such as food security, sustainable economic growth, maternal, newborn and child health, the rights and protection of children and youth, and education.”
In emphasizing Canada’s commitment to the Americas region, PS Brown noted Canada’s whole- of-government effort in advancing Canada’s Strategy for Engagement in the Americas and its three goals of: increasing mutual economic opportunity; addressing insecurity and strengthening institutions; and fostering lasting relationships.
“Canada is supporting partner governments in the region as they strengthen the foundations for inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said PS Brown. “Through Canada’s development cooperation, we are building the capacity of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the Americas to compete in national, regional and global markets.”
Prime Minister Harper first made the Americas a foreign policy priority in 2007 with the vision of a more prosperous, secure and democratic hemisphere. Seven years on, our whole-of-government engagement in the hemisphere has never been stronger. More than 30 federal partners are engaged in delivering on our three goals.
In 2015, Canada will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its membership in the Organization of American States, the region’s premier multilateral political forum and a key channel for cooperation with partners in the region on priorities issues for Canada and the hemisphere.
Our engagement in the Americas is delivering results, both for Canada and for our partners in the region.
Maxime Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
maxime.robert@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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