Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced Canadian support for five projects that will increase economic opportunity, improve security, strengthen institutions and foster lasting relationships throughout the hemisphere.
Canadian federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations are engaged in more than 550 activities annually in the region in support of the Strategy for Engagement in the Americas, including negotiation of trade and economic agreements, capacity building in the areas of security and defence, and promotion of academic and cultural exchanges.
“Canada is a trusted investor, a reliable supporter of local solutions and a dynamic partner for study, research, business, innovation and sustainable economic growth,” said Baird.
“Canada, as the second-largest donor to the Organization of American States [OAS], contributes to the advancement of the organization’s goals in the region. Canada will continue to collaborate with like-minded member states to implement reforms within the organization that deliver results, improve effectiveness and increase accountability.
“Our engagement in the Americas is delivering results, both for Canada and for our partners in the region.”
Baird is travelling to Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Ecuador from June 1 to 6, 2014, to advance Canada’s engagement in the Americas by reinforcing regional cooperation and collaboration, advancing economic opportunities, promoting Canadian values and fostering meaningful and lasting relationships. During his trip, Baird will meet with several of his counterparts and deliver a speech at the OAS General Assembly where he will discuss hemispheric cooperation.
For more information on Canada’s engagement in the Americas, please visit The Americas: Our Neighbours, Our Priority and Panorama. For more information on Baird’s visit, please consult Baird Visits Latin America.
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
