Statement made on 09 February 2011 by Senator Catherine Callbeck
Hon. Catherine S. Callbeck:
Honourable senators, I am pleased to rise today in recognition of International Development Week. Every year during the first week of February, International Development Week provides Canadians with the opportunity to learn more about the good work that so many Canadians are engaged in abroad. These dedicated people have an impact on a wide range of topics: human rights, health care, infrastructure, disaster preparedness, education and economics, to name a few. All in all, the ultimate goal is to build a greater quality of life for people in developing countries.
This week also allows Canadians to discover more about life in developing countries and how they can become involved.
In my home province, the University of Prince Edward Island is participating in its tenth International Development Week. The highlight of the many events will be an on-campus public presentation by our own Senator Dallaire, who will speak to students about the role they can play in the lives of those in developing countries. Community events like the ones at UPEI demonstrate that Canadians care about international development and the well-being of others.
I was disappointed to hear that the Canadian Teachers' Federation has been denied funding for its five-year proposal to provide professional development programs for teachers and curriculum development programs in Africa, Asia and parts of the Caribbean.
For more than 50 years, Canadian teachers have travelled overseas to help improve education in developing countries. Without this funding, the work of thousands of Canadian teachers will end. I urge the federal government to find ways to work with the Canadian Teachers' Federation to ensure that their outstanding tradition of service is not lost due to a lack of funding.
Honourable senators, Canadians involved in international development are to be commended for the difference they are making around the world. We should be proud of the role these Canadians play on the world stage and we should assist them wherever possible to achieve their goals.