The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement:
“As we celebrate International Development Week [IDW], I want to recognize all the Canadians and partners who are working toward a more just, inclusive, equitable and safe world. With their compassion and practical expertise, they are at the forefront of finding and implementing development solutions that improve the lives of millions of men and women.
“This year’s IDW theme is Leave No One Behind: Canada Contributes to Global Goals. Indeed, Canadians have always been there when there is a need. Last year, when we saw the plight of Syrian refugees, Canadians stepped up and welcomed close to 40,000 refugees to Canada. Then, in September, when Canada hosted the replenishment conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, our partners helped to raise almost $13 billion to save 8 million lives by 2030.
“Over the past year, I have been engaging with Canadians and our partners here at home and around the world to draw on their expertise as we craft a new international assistance policy for Canada. This week, I want to highlight the impact that Canadian assistance is having on communities. With our partners, we will look at the difference we are making in such areas as empowering women and girls, protecting the environment, responding to humanitarian crises and promoting peace and security.”
Source : Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada