Publication Date: 2017/03/08

TORONTO/OTTAWA, March 8, 2017 – UNICEF Canada has responded to today’s announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau of $650 million over three years in funding for sexual and reproductive health and rights. UNICEF Canada’s President and CEO, David Morley, was in Ottawa for the announcement and provided the following response:

“We are pleased that Canada is seizing the opportunity on International Women’s Day to continue building on its leadership of a movement and a global culture shift to empower women and girls. The Government’s feminist focus represents a game-changing and transformative approach to international assistance. Investments such as the one announced today will go a long way to helping reduce gender inequality and ensuring women and girls have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

On International Women’s Day and every day, we must commit to improving the health and rights of women and children around the world. Canada has a demonstrated track record of saving lives through leadership in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health. If we are going to achieve the ambitious sustainable development goals we’ve set out by 2030, we must remain focused on meeting the needs of the most disadvantaged. Canada should continue to be a global leader on these critical issues, and to espouse Canadian values on the global stage.

We welcome today’s announcement and look forward to continued engagement with Canada and Canadians to ensure the rights and well-being of all women and children. ”

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About UNICEF

UNICEF is the world’s leading humanitarian organization focused on children. We work in the most challenging areas to provide protection, healthcare and immunizations, education, safe water and sanitation and nutrition. As part of the United Nations, our unrivaled reach spans more than 190 countries and territories, ensuring we are on the ground to help the most disadvantaged children. While part of the UN system, UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations to finance our life-saving work. Please visit unicef.ca and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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