Lévis, QC

The Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, the Honourable Christian Paradis, accompanied by the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced financial support for Développement international Desjardins (DID) to promote entrepreneurship in Africa and the Americas. Minister Paradis made this announcement after meeting with DID executives in Lévis, Quebec.

“Long-term development depends on a dynamic private sector that can stimulate opportunities for all, including women,” Minister Paradis said. “It is important to support microbusinesses, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, especially in rural areas, to promote inclusive growth and to deploy resources to maximize their positive impact on sustainable development.”

“The Government has a strong partnership with Développement international Desjardins because of the work they do, and the results they deliver. Desjardins is the guardian of Canada’s co-operative model, and the projects announced will help create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve food security in some of the world’s poorest countries,” Minister Blaney said.