Statement By The Prime Minister Of Canada

June 20, 2010

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement upon receiving the G-8 Muskoka Accountability Report:
 
“Last year, at the G-8 Summit in L’Aquila, Italy, leaders requested a report assessing progress by the G-8 in implementing our commitments.  Today, I received the G-8 Muskoka Accountability Report from my Personal Representative for the G-8.
 
“I am proud of the progress that Canada has made in meeting its G-8 commitments.  We have doubled our aid to Africa and are on track to doubling our total international assistance as promised.  We are also meeting our G-8 pledges to provide debt relief, fight infectious diseases, improve health systems, invest in food security and build peacekeeping capacity.  Canada’s contribution is an essential part of the G-8 Muskoka Accountability Report.
 
“Accountability is a priority for Canada and I am pleased that this important work was completed under Canada’s leadership.  Canadians can be proud that despite a tough global economy, Canada can still work with its partners to help the world’s less fortunate and meet its development goals.
 
“This report will be an important topic of discussion among G-8 leaders in Muskoka, and I look forward to productive talks on strengthening accountability for G-8 initiatives.  If the G-8 is to remain credible, accountability is absolutely necessary.”