Highlighting Canadians who are making a difference
February 1, 2015 - Gatineau, Quebec - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today helped launch International Development Week (IDW), which will take place from February 1 to 7, 2015. The Minister noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of this annual event, which aims to raise awareness of international development issues, and invited Canadians to take part in one of the many activities taking place across the country.
“I have often heard it said that Canadians—as individuals or as representatives of civil society organizations and various partner organizations—represent Canada brilliantly around the world. Since becoming Minister of International Development, I have had the chance to see this with my own eyes. Through their activities, Canadians embody our country’s values on the international stage and play an important role in efforts being made by the international community to reduce poverty, keep people healthy and give them hope for a better future. IDW is an opportunity to highlight this work, discuss just how much Canadians are helping to make a difference in the world and encourage even more people to act.”
IDW is made possible through a partnership between Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada and Canada’s provincial and regional councils for international cooperation. It aims to showcase the work being done by Canadians to reduce poverty around the world and to invite more people to commit to helping those who are most in need.
For more information about IDW and a list of activities that are taking place in Canada, please visit the International Development Week website.
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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