Delivering the keynote address at the 2014 Joint Annual Conference of the Canadian Association of International Development Professionals and the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, reiterated Canada’s commitment to effectively partnering with civil society to increase development results, reduce poverty and strengthen democratic governance.
"Canadian civil society organizations represent the views of the poorest and most vulnerable. They help them hold their governments to account, build social cohesion, and provide basic services," said Minister Paradis. "We must all work together if we are to achieve maximum results. We must recognize our diverse roles, leverage our various strengths, and use them to break the cycle of poverty once and for all."
The Minister also launched calls for proposals for the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP), the International Aboriginal Youth Internships (IAYI) initiative, and the 2015-2020 Volunteer Cooperation Program. All three programs provide Canadians with opportunities to gain valuable international experience and make a difference in developing countries. More...