Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international

For immediate release

House of Commons Committee travels to Colombia at an historic juncture.

Ottawa, August 31, 2016 -

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development is beginning a week-long mission to Colombia at a hopeful moment in that country’s history.

Building on the findings of its mission to Guatemala (28–31 August 2016), the Committee will be examining Canada’s development cooperation with Colombia, and focusing on the advancement of women’s rights and empowerment.

The Committee’s mission is taking place only days after the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) announced that they had finalized a comprehensive peace agreement to bring an end to a conflict that has endured for more than fifty years. The agreement will now be put before the Colombian people in a national plebiscite scheduled for 2 October 2016.

The Committee will meet with a broad range of stakeholders during its visit to Colombia, and looks forward to discussing how Canada can best support efforts to build lasting peace and inclusive prosperity.

Further information on the Committee’s current work is available on its website.

Quotes:

“The second leg of our mission comes at a hopeful moment in Colombia’s history given that a peace agreement has been now reached. It’s important that we listen and report back what we learn to support efforts to help Colombians achieve long-term peace and prosperity.”

- Hon Robert Nault, Chair, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

“We are in Colombia at a historic time in this country's path to reconciliation, long term peace and prosperity. This encouraging agreement is a testament to the Colombian people's desire to move forward in a positive and constructive direction.”

- Mr. Dean Allison, Vice-Chair, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

“This mission will enable us to better understand the role women have played in resolving the conflicts in this country, which is an important partner for Canada. It will be an excellent opportunity to see how the involvement of women contributes to lasting peace agreements.”

- Mme. Hélène Laverdière, Vice-Chair, Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development