Statement By The Prime Minister Of Canada

June 25, 2010

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following remarks on the Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health:
 
“Very briefly, we had a productive day with G-8 colleagues, African outreach leaders and leaders from the Americas for the first time.  G-8 leaders made a historic commitment to the Muskoka initiative to maternal, newborn and child health.
 
“Together, G-8 members have committed US$5 billion over the next 5 years.  G-8 leadership has also attracted the donations and contributions from other countries and foundations of more than $2.3 billion for a total of $7.3 billion.  In addition to our G-8 partners, we would also like to thank the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the Gates Foundation and the United Nations Foundation.  And we encourage other countries and foundations to join us in this initiative.  Together, we are committed to moving the world towards a day when women in developing countries will not die, or suffer disabilities, from pregnancy or childbirth.”