Mr. Speaker, this week, we mark the international maternal, newborn, and child health week.
Maternal, newborn, and child health was made Canada's top international development priority by our Conservative government. Through the MNCH initiative, we supported micronutrient programs that ensured millions of children around the world received essential vitamins, vaccines, and had access to clean water and sanitation. About 80% of the beneficiaries were women and children. When women and children benefit, the whole world benefits.
We can be proud of the difference we have made in the lives of the most vulnerable around the world, particularly mothers and newborn children. We are happy that the government is continuing with the groundbreaking development initiatives begun by our Conservative government.
I invite all members to attend a reception on Parliament Hill this evening to mark the importance of MNCH, which is organized by the Hon. Asha Seth and the Hon. Norman Doyle.