NEW YORK, July 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada strongly supports the efforts of the United Nations and is committed to working together with its national and international partners to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development is proud to lead the development of a Canadian implementation strategy in collaboration with other Ministers and their departments.

In support of Canada's commitment to the 2030 Agenda, the Minister traveled to New York for the 2018 United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development to present Canada's first Voluntary National Review (VNR) report which highlights Canada's progress to date on the 2030 Agenda both at home and abroad. Minister Duclos was joined by Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, by Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs) and by representatives from provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous peoples, youth and civil society.

Throughout the HPLF, Canada made meaningful contributions to global discussion on the path forward to implement the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Canada is a strong advocate for equality, empowerment and the inclusion of under‑represented groups, including women, Indigenous people, newcomers, people with disabilities and the members of the LGBTQ2 community. For too long, these groups have faced barriers that hold them back from fully participating in Canada's economic and social prosperity that benefit all Canadians.

Minister Duclos also highlighted that to accelerate action on the 2030 Agenda across the country, the Government of Canada will develop a National Strategy in partnership with all levels of government, civil society, Indigenous peoples, the private sector and other stakeholders. Consultations on the development of the National Strategy will inform the selection of national indicators to complement the global SDG indicators. Indigenous traditional knowledge will hold a significant place in this process and will reflect the Government of Canada's commitment to a renewed relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

To further support Canada in its efforts to achieve the SDGs, a unit will be established within Employment and Social Development Canada.

Quote

"We are committed to moving the 2030 Agenda forward, and through the efforts at home and abroad, we are working hard in order to continue to deliver real change for Canadians. Together we will ensure that everyone can share in Canada's economic, social and environmental prosperity. Canada will leave no one behind."
- The Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Quick Facts

• During the forum, the Minister Duclos and Parliamentary Secretary Caesar-Chavannes highlighted that Canada is making progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda both at home and abroad. The Government of Canada is working to advance all 17 SDGs, with a particular focus on five key themes: eradicating poverty, advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, growing the economy and narrowing the socio-economic gaps that exist between different groups, advancing self-determination and improve relationships with Indigenous peoples and advancing action on climate change and clean growth.

Associated Links

• Canada's Voluntary National Review
• Speech from Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and Parliamentary Secretary Celina Caesar-Chavannes for Canada's Voluntary National Review at the 2018 United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
• Canada's Statement to the 2018 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development from Minister Jean-Yves Duclos
• The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Statistics Canada Sustainable Development Goals Data Hub

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

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