The Government of Canada lays the foundations of a more inclusive Canada and world at the United Nations Français
OTTAWA, Sept. 20, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, was invited by France to give a speech at an International Leading Group on Social and Solidarity Economy meeting which took place in parallel with the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Chaired by François Hollande, President of the French Republic, the event's theme was "Social and Solidarity Economy: Key Sector for a Sustainable Urban Development."
Canada is currently finishing its preparations to participate in the third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, Habitat III. Discussions will take place at Habitat III on subjects like poverty, climate change, public safety, infrastructure, housing, health and quality of life, and will touch on the social, economic and creative advantages that cities offer. The Leading Group meeting was an opportunity for Minister Duclos, head of Canada's delegation to Habitat III, to announce the foundations of Canada's contribution to the New Urban Agenda. This agenda is a declaration that aims to renew global political commitment to sustainable development for the next 20 years. Innovative solutions will be developed and launched in partnership with all levels of government, community and urban partners and the private and public sectors.
In his speech, Minister Duclos reiterated Canada's commitment to the UN and to the guiding principles of the Habitat III Summit. These principles echo the Government of Canada's objectives outlined in Budget 2016: stimulating the economy and strengthening the middle class.
The Minister also highlighted Canada's efforts to act as a leader in innovation and collaboration to promote the inclusion of all people, particularly those who are underrepresented, such as youth, women, children, immigrants, people with disabilities, Indigenous people and members of the LGBTQ2 community.
The United Nations' Habitat III Summit will take place from October 17 to 20 in Quito, Ecuador, and will bring together representatives from countries all across the world to discuss important questions in sustainable urban development.
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"We still face deeply entrenched social challenges that no single government can solve on their own. This is why collaboration and innovation are key to Canada's vision for the implementation of a New Urban Agenda. I am happy to work with our Canadian partners, and also to learn about the ways that other countries tackle these same challenges."
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
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