CIIA Toronto - Past Events

Event Summary:

Honourable Aileen Carroll
Minister for International Cooperation
The Offices of Aird & Berlis

24 November, 2005

Summary by: Anna Mather, University of Toronto
It was going to take a lot more than a blizzard to keep the Honourable Aileen Carroll from speaking to an eager audience at the Offices of Aird & Berlis. In her speech, Minister Carroll elaborated on Canada's approach to international development, discussed the reasons behind certain policy decisions, and explained why Canadians continue to support the spending of their tax dollars on foreign assistance.

In addressing Canada's approach to international development and cooperation, Minister Carroll emphasised the importance of a sustainable and coherent agenda with a distinct focus on health care, education, private sector development, governance, and the environment. These five areas have been identified as the fundamental sectors in which Canada and Canadian expertise can be mobilized to have the greatest impact.

Decisions about where Canadian resources are deployed are made with consideration of the needs of the developing countries. As well, these decisions take into account how to best capitalize on the effectiveness of identified Canadian niches. One such niche, as described by Minister Carroll, is Canada's ability to assist with private sector development through the support of grassroots enterprises and making small business work to benefit the poor.

Minister Carroll also pointed out that roughly 80% of Canadians support government initiatives that are directed toward foreign assistance and international development. The reasons for this are two fold, according to Minister Carroll. First of all, such policies are a reflection of our distinct Canadian values, our culture of goodwill, and our commitment to tolerance. Secondly, policies aimed at eradicating global poverty simultaneously address the issue of global security. Pandemic poverty leads to destabilizing despair, therefore "solving poverty is the root of solving security" said Minister Carroll.

The Honourable Aileen Carroll concluded her speech on a positive note, highlighting the leadership role assumed by Canada in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Specifically, she pointed to Canada's role as a leading donor in the search for microbicides as well as the effort made by Canada to get the "3 by 5" goal back on track. However, much work remains to be done as Canada has not yet set a target date by which it plans to achieve the international 'gold' donation standard of 0.7% of its GDP.

Following her speech, Minister Carroll entertained a host of questions on topics ranging from Canada's work with Latin American countries to the role of Canadian volunteers internationally. She then took time to speak candidly with the youth members in attendance, most of whom currently study at the University of Toronto.

Joanna Rice, UofT, Event Photographer

Event Photo Gallery:

Renee van Kessel, member of the Board of Directors of the CIIA (Toronto) and the organizer of the event, introduces Minister Carroll	Ron Clark, former President of the CIIA (Toronto) and the host for the event, makes a few comments to attendees
Minister Aileen Carroll addresses the CIIA Toronto branch
Renee van Kessel, CIIA (Toronto) board member, with Minister Aileen Carroll

Q and A Period:
The event included an extended Question and Answer period, moderated by Renee van Kessel

Event Attendees:
Attendees at the event with Minister Carroll enjoy the opportunity to meet and discuss issues.

Student Attendees:
Students in attendance at the event with Minister Carroll enjoy the opportunity to meet her and discuss issues

Jenn Vibert of the University of Toronto thanked the Minister on behalf of CIIA Toronto


Renee van Kessel, organizer of the event, and Aileen Carroll with the students in attendance	Joanna Rice, a student from the University of Toronto, was the photographer for the event