Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of International Development Week 2012.
Our Minister of International Cooperation launched this year's celebration under the theme, “I Am Making a Difference”.
Over the course of International Development Week, Canadians will have the opportunity to learn more about Canada's role in international development and the significant contributions Canada makes to developing countries. This week, the focus will be on the empowerment of women and girls.
As our government has demonstrated through its commitment to the health of mothers, newborns and children, we believe that empowering women in developing countries is key to reducing poverty.
This week, Canadians will be able to take part in events across the country, such as the World University Service of Canada symposium and the SickKids International Global Child Health Day.
Canadians are known for lending a hand to those in need. We—