The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today announced that Canada will partner with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other donor countries to launch a Partnership for Democratic Governance.

“This government has made clear its strong commitment to advancing democracy in the world,” said Minister MacKay. “Canada’s support of the Partnership for Democratic Governance is a firm sign of that commitment. This initiative will advance democratic practices abroad by helping to provide fledgling democracies with the capacity to govern well and deliver essential services.”

“One of the key development challenges in the 21st century is determining how to help developing countries to improve governance and build stronger and more sustainable institutions, accessing effective and coordinated support from outside,” added Minister Verner. “This partnership will provide the opportunity to make practical progress in this area.”

Canada will contribute $1.8 million over three years to partner with the OECD in establishing an advisory unit to respond to requests from developing countries for delivery of core democratic state functions. Initially, the Partnership for Democratic Governance will focus on strengthening central governance practices. Support will be provided to key sectors such as justice, customs and revenue collection, banking and budget development. Canada’s contribution will ensure that governments are more responsive to the needs of their citizens, delivering public goods and services in an accountable and transparent manner.

The Partnership for Democratic Governance is an important new tool for democracy building. In responding to the Parliamentary Report on Canada and International Democratic Development released on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, the government will consider the full range of tools that Canada can use—such as this new OECD initiative—to play an effective role in supporting democracy abroad.