March 28, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded a tour in Atlantic Canada with several engagements focused on the Canadian international development sector.

Kicking off the tour in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Minister Hussen, accompanied by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, met with professionals from the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland. They discussed the Institute’s development footprint and its marine-simulation technologies, including the world’s largest flume tank, which is used to evaluate fishing equipment. He also held discussions with students and alumni of the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment of $24.5 million in funding for the latest iteration of the program. Minister Hussen also met with philanthropic sector organizations, academics and Canadians to discuss impacts of Canada’s international assistance.

In Halifax and Sackville, Nova Scotia, Minister Hussen met with Canadian private sector stakeholders and civil society organization partners, including members of the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC), to discuss priorities related to Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action.

While in Halifax, Minister Hussen, accompanied by Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, also visited the Department of International Development Studies of Dalhousie University and met with faculty members of the university’s Office of Government and Global Relations to learn about their international development programming. Later, he spoke with students and alumni of the IYIP and the International Aboriginal Youth Internship initiative about their interests and career goals in international development.

In Moncton, New Brunswick, Minister Hussen met with francophone organizations and institutions to learn about their international development efforts and programs as well as their engagement in La Francophonie.

In Fredericton, Minister Hussen was accompanied by Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, while visiting New Brunswick Community College. They heard directly from students about opportunities for promoting international development and global citizenship, their career aspirations and experiences, and achieving the SDGs.