Protecting Canadians, Rebuilding Afghanistan

October 23, 2006

During her visit to southern Afghanistan, Minister of International Cooperation Josée Verner today re-affirmed Canada’s commitment to rebuilding the Afghan state with $40 million in aid and reconstruction money.

During her visit to southern Afghanistan, Minister of International Cooperation Josée Verner today re-affirmed Canada’s commitment to rebuilding the Afghan state with $40 million in aid and reconstruction money.
While Canada and its allies in Afghanistan fight terror and maintain security for the democratically-elected government of President Hamid Karzai, reconstruction projects continue to move forward and remain a key part of Canada’s mission.

Targeted to Kandahar and the surrounding regions, the new assistance announced by Minister Verner will:

• Provide emergency food aid to vulnerable Afghan families;
• Fund the reconstruction of roads, bridges and medical clinics; and
• Fund a girls' education project, which involves building of up to 4,000 community-based schools and training 4,000 female school teachers.

The assistance will help the Afghan government in its efforts to protect its most vulnerable citizens – women and children.

The $40 million package is part of Canada’s total contribution of nearly $1 billion over 10 years aimed at reconstruction, reducing poverty and strengthening Afghanistan's governance:

• With Canada’s help, over 13,000 communities have started or completed new schools, medical facilities, and water, sewer and electrical systems;
• A democracy has been put in place. Presidential, parliamentary and provincial elections have been held - and women now hold a quarter of the seats in the Afghan legislature; and
• Today 7 million kids are in school, and a third of them are girls.
  

While much has been done, there remains much to do.

That’s why Canada’s defence personnel, diplomats, and development officers are on the front lines of the fight for the future of Afghanistan. Canada’s New Government will continue to give them the support they need to complete their mission.

Canada has been in Afghanistan since 2002 as part of a UN-sanctioned, multinational NATO-led mission to rid the country of the Taliban and ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorism.

The Canadian Forces mission:

• protects Canadians by clearing out terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan;
• reinforces Canada’s role as a leader in the fight for democracy and human rights; and
• fulfills a global promise to rebuild the shattered Afghan state.