Canada remains committed to the development of Mali
May 15, 2013,
(Brussels, Belgium) - As a leading donor, Canada will continue to provide food and basic health services to the people of Mali. Today, Lois Brown, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation, on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, reaffirmed Canada's support for the people of Mali at an international donors' conference in Brussels, Belgium.
As a leading donor, Canada is working to ensure that basic needs of the people of Mali are addressed, said PS Brown. "Once again, Canada has demonstrated during this conference that we remain focused on helping Malians build upon stronger ground."
Canada took part in this important conference to help mobilize the support necessary to address Mali's substantial development challenges. PS Brown announced new investments with a focus on mitigating the risk of social unrest and continuing to provide basic services in health, food security, nutrition and education. These new investments support Mali's Sustainable Recovery Plan for 2013-2014.
Canada is a compassionate neighbour, said Minister Fantino. "Canada will continue to work with other donors, Canadian non-governmental organizations and multilateral organizations, such as the World Food Programme, to provide stability to the people of Mali."
Today's pledge builds on Canada’s announcement earlier this week of $10 million to:
- support the African-led International Support Mission until a new United Nations mission can be set up;
- help restore democratic institutions in advance of planned elections in July and preserve Mali's territorial integrity; and
- help the European Union-led training to help the Malian armed forces protect the basic rights of Malian civilians.
Canada is committed to helping countries like Mali. Economic Action Plan 2013 reaffirms Canada's commitment to international development and humanitarian assistance. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will help achieve greater efficiency, accountability and focus to continue to improve the lives of people in need around the world.
Backgrounder:
Remarks by Parliamentary Secretary Lois Brown
High-level Mali Donor’s Conference
Check against delivery:
As a long-standing friend of Mali, Canada is committed to helping the people of Mali.
Last January, Canada responded to immediate needs with urgent, life-saving assistance.
We remain troubled by the situation in Mali and its potential impact on the stability of the Sahel region and beyond.
Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation, Julian Fantino, has outlined the conditions under which we would reinstate direct assistance to the Government of Mali.
This is the return of a democratically elected, stable, civilian government.
We maintain hope for this outcome, as it is integral for the long-term security and prosperity of the Malian people.
In the interim, we continue our significant humanitarian and development work with our non-governmental partners.
Today, I am pleased to announce that Canada will invest seventy-five million dollars ($75M) to help improve access to food for 250,000 people.
This development assistance complements our ongoing, life-saving humanitarian support.
It also builds on our announcement earlier this week of ten million dollars ($10M) to:
- support the African-led International Support Mission until a new United Nations mission can be set up,
- help restore democratic institutions in advance of planned elections in July and preserve Mali’s territorial integrity,
- help the European Union-led training to help the Malian armed forces protect the basic rights of Malian civilians.Canada will continue to play a leadership role in helping Malians build a more peaceful and prosperous country…
…A country where all citizens can share in the opportunities of greater stability and prosperity.
Thank you.
