Building on "Momentum"
by Minister Peter MacKay Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Opportunities Agency
Canadians can be proud of the work we are
doing in Afghanistan - progress is taking place. On my recent visit to the
country, I saw firsthand the difference Canada, alongside 36 other
countries as part of a United Nations-sanctioned NATO mission, is making
in the lives of ordinary Afghans.
I met young men training to become carpenters, welders, and metal workers
at a vocational school in Kabul, which will also be launched in Kandahar -
both schools are funded by Canada. Projects like these give Afghans hope
for a brighter future as these young men learn skills they can teach
others back in their villages.
I also met women benefiting from access to small loans to start their own
businesses - another project funded by Canada. Opportunities like this are
enabling Afghan women to support themselves and their families. These
projects are helping Afghanistan build a stable, democratic, and
self-sufficient society.
In Kandahar, I also witnessed the dedication of the Afghan National Police
force where they are working to enforce the law and protect Afghan
citizens.
During my visit, I presented the force with much-needed supplies to do
their job, including new winter gloves and jackets made in Afghanistan by
local entrepreneurs. I also announced a $10 million contribution that will
allow members of the Afghan National Police to receive their full salaries
directly from banks, instead of receiving their pay through unreliable or
irregular methods.
Speaking in Quebec last week, my colleague Josée Verner, Minister
of the Canadian International Development Agency, also made several
funding announcements to help improve the lives of the Afghan people.
These include funding to UNICEF in support of maternal health and women's
literacy, as well as funding for reconstruction programs, various
community-led development projects and de-mining activities in Kandahar
Province.
It is clear to me that amidst persistent challenges, the Afghan people are
determined to build a brighter future for themselves. The progress taking
place in Afghanistan is a testament to the will and fortitude of the
Afghan
people.
Security improvements are being achieved due to efforts of the Canadian
military along with our international partners. Establishing security is
crucial so that development and reconstruction can occur.
Canada has a noble tradition of taking an active role in bringing peace
and stability to parts of the world that have seen turmoil and upheaval.
Canadians are in Afghanistan at the invitation of the
democratically-elected government, along with our international partners,
and in a collective effort to promote security, economic and social
development, and governance.
Our efforts do not go unappreciated. During my visit, I met with the
President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, who spoke of the generous spirit
of Canadians and of our efforts to help his people build a stable,
democratic, and self-sufficient society. He expressed some of his
appreciation by saying that "Canadians are putting their lives on the
line to bring our country out of poverty and exploitation. They are coming
here all the way from Canada with good in their hearts - and we are
grateful."
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