UNITED NATIONS, New York — The Government of Canada today announced that it would substantially increase its contributions to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, over the next four years. The total Canadian support for UNFPA over that period will reach Can$67.4 million – or almost Can$17 million per year, compared to Can$13.1 million it gave to UNFPA in 2004. Out of the total amount, Can$9 million will be used to provide reproductive health supplies needed by developing countries.

UNFPA welcomed the Canadian decision, announced today by Aileen Carroll, the Canadian Minister of International Cooperation, during an observance of World AIDS Day. UNFPA was particularly encouraged by the multi-year funding commitment – the first ever made by Canada to the Fund – which would provide UNFPA with a more predictable source of financing.

“Canada’s renewed and extended support is a strong reaffirmation of the mandate and vital work of UNFPA, which we appreciate deeply,” said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA’s Executive Director. “It is also the clearest expression of Canada’s commitment to the global efforts to providing people around the world with reproductive health commodities and care that would save their lives. I urge other donors to follow this generous example by the people and Government of Canada to help women and infants in developing countries survive pregnancy and childbirth.”

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UNFPA is the world’s largest multilateral source of population assistance. Since it became operational in 1969, the Fund has provided substantial assistance to developing countries, at their request, to address their population and development needs.

Contact Information:

Omar Gharzeddine
Tel.: +1 (212) 297-5028
Email: gharzeddine@unfpa.org