|
Prime Minister Very Pleased That Canada is Still Number One According to UN Report
June 12, 1997
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien welcomed the 1997 United Nations Human Development
Report, launched officially today by the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP). For the fourth time in a row, Canada ranks first among 175 countries
on the Human Development Index, which combines life expectancy, literacy
and income. For the first time, Canada also ranked first on the gender-related
development index, which assesses the status of women.
"This year's report shows that Canada not only remains the best country
in the world, but that we continue to improve our living standards," Prime
Minister Chrétien said. "I am also very pleased that Canada was ranked
number one on the gender-related development index. We will work hard to
maintain this position and to advance in other areas, especially youth
employment."
The Prime Minister said he was confident that the Government's progress
in restructuring public finances and ensuring effective federal-provincial
relations will result in new jobs and improved economic conditions for
all Canadians.
"Canada's position in the world, as ranked in this report, is a feather
in our cap," the Prime Minister said. "But it also means that we have a
great responsibility, not only to all Canadians, but to the less fortunate
in developing countries." He noted that 38.5 percent of Canada's development
assistance is directed to meeting basic human needs. These include water,
food, hygiene, primary health care, shelter and education, all of which
are components of the HDI.
- 30 -
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
|
