During his visit, minister Hussen announced investments in international assistance projects across multiple countries, totaling more than $38 million.
Canada’s contribution will support key initiatives to advance climate action, conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable and inclusive governance, and gender equality in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti and Suriname.
Canada’s ongoing partnership with CARICOM aims to reduce global climate change effects, protect ecosystems, strengthen global stability and security, and promote gender equality, benefiting both the Caribbean and Canada.
The announcement also includes a $2 million top-up in funding to Canada’s initial commitment of $1.2 million in 2024 in response to hurricane Beryl, as well as $7 million in humanitarian assistance funding for Haiti.
Furthermore, the minister announced Canada’s intention to contribute up to $10 million to the Technical Assistance Facility of the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund.
This initiative will support and strengthen Caribbean businesses and climate-resilient infrastructure projects. Canada’s support will provide expert advice, training and project preparation services to help businesses strengthen operations, scale sustainably and reduce investment risks.
Minister Hussen reiterated Canada’s multifaceted partnership with CARICOM, including Canada’s 2024 commitment of up to $3 million in establishing a Caribbean Future Skills Fund for the region’s technical and vocational education and training to accelerate development to equip and empower youth from the Caribbean region with valuable skills and employment opportunities. Canada supports Caribbean partners in building a strong and sustainable future, resulting in increased employment opportunities, advancing economic growth, and strengthening social stability for the youth workforce.
To advance the shared priorities of democracy, gender equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, minister Hussen met with CARICOM leaders and representatives to reaffirm the Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership. He also emphasized Canada’s continued engagement with allies, partners and international organizations to promote peace and security in the region, including in Haiti.
“Canada and Caribbean countries share deep people-to-people ties and are natural partners. Canada is committed to being a reliable partner in the efforts to bring about regional unity and economic resilience. Investing in a sustainable and prosperous future in the Caribbean means a better future for the hemisphere,” said minister Hussen.
Quick facts
- Since 2010, Canada has delivered $2.8 billion in bilateral assistance to the region, not including multilateral assistance to organizations such as the Caribbean Development Bank.
- Since 2022, Canada has contributed more than $400 million in international assistance to Haiti, including $86.2 million to the Multinational Security Support Mission UN Trust Fund.
- The Caribbean is a significant region for Canadian direct investment. Canada provides duty-free access for most imports from 18 Caribbean countries and territories through the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff program.
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