Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of the 27th International Development Week.
This week is an opportunity to communicate with our constituents about how Canadian investments are making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our society, to highlight the program partners, and to speak to local development organizations in our ridings.
Our borders do not shield us from climate change, disease and epidemics, or the fallout from conflict. However, our assistance does help developing countries and fragile states to better protect the environment, strengthen health systems, and limit the flow of refugees and displaced peoples. The countries that we support today will be our economic partners tomorrow.
Throughout the week, we should highlight Canada's work via the hashtags #WhyitMatters and #IDW2017.
Happy International Development Week.