CIDA: Minister Oda Visits Peru and Colombia

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 4, 2008) - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, will visit Peru and Colombia from January 6 to 13, 2008. She will meet with Peruvian and Colombian government officials and various Canadian, local and international partners working with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) on Canada-funded initiatives in governance, education and earthquake relief efforts after the earthquake that hit Peru on August 15, 2007.

"As Prime Minister Harper committed to in the October Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada is playing an active role in helping striving countries in the Americas build a better future," said Minister Oda. "My visit in these two countries will allow me to see first hand how our help makes a difference in the lives of Peruvians and Colombians. I will be visiting projects that improve basic education, water and sanitation, assistance in case of emergency relief and the protection of children and other victims of conflicts and violence."

Minister Oda will be in Peru from January 6 to 9, 2008, where she will inaugurate the new Canadian Embassy in Lima, and visit projects funded by the Government of Canada. She will also witness the reconstruction effort on sites affected by the severe earthquake that hit Peru last Summer. Canada provided $2 million for emergency relief and recovery efforts. Thousands of people were injured and more than 60,000 houses and buildings on the southern coast of Peru were destroyed by the earthquake.

Minister Oda will then travel to Colombia from January 9 to 13, 2008. She will meet with key Canadian, local and international partners to discuss Canada's support to Colombia in its efforts to achieve domestic peace and security. She will also witness the leadership role that Canada is playing through CIDA-funded projects in protecting the human rights of children, victims of conflict and violence.