Speaking Notes for the Honourable Beverley J. Oda Minister for International Cooperation for the Closing Press Conference of the 2008 Caribbean Development Bank Meeting

HALIFAX, NS
World Trade and Conference Centre
Thursday, May 29, 2008

Dr. Bourne, thank you for your insightful summation of this week's proceedings.

Over the past several days, representatives from the member countries of the Caribbean Development Bank have been meeting to discuss the development challenges faced by the region.

These meetings were both formal and informal.

I believe that we made significant progress in addressing the development challenges in the Caribbean, particularly the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.

Economic challenges such as high debt levels and rising food prices also continue to challenge Caribbean countries.

The Caribbean Development Bank is a trusted partner in the Region.

During the meeting the CDB launched a strategic planning exercise that will focus the Bank's efforts in the future.

We encourage the Bank to use the exercise as an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the Region with its members and focus its response in areas of greatest need where it has demonstrated excellence.

As you know, the CDB is an important partner for Canada.

The CDB shares in our efforts to make international development assistance more effective, more accountable and more results-oriented in the Caribbean.

The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing our engagement in the Americas, particularly in the Caribbean.

We were pleased that Prime Minister Harper announced a $600 million commitment for development assistance to the region over the next ten years.

Playing a strong role in the region will benefit Canadians and our partners alike.

Our government is encouraged by the commitment the Bank has shown to its engagement with Haiti and hope that this will continue to be a priority as the Bank begins to develop its next medium term plan.

During my trip to Haiti last year, I saw firsthand that we are achieving concrete results.

Canada will build on results and help the Caribbean further reduce poverty and inequities.

We will do so by strengthening democracies and economies while training a new generation of Caribbean leaders.

I would like to thank the City of Halifax and the Province of Nova Scotia for welcoming our guests to Canada and for showcasing Atlantic Canada's vibrant culture.

I would also like to thank Dr. Bourne for his leadership over the past days.

The Government of Canada has been honoured to host the 38^th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank.

Thank you.