Statement by the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today expressed pride on behalf of the people of Canada on the news that the 1998 United Nations Human Development Report has - for the fifth year in a row - ranked Canada first among 174 countries on its Human Development Index (HDI), which compares relative quality of life, including life expectancy, literacy and income:

"This news tells us what we all know in our hearts - that we live in the best country in the world. Our long run at the top of the UN Index is a tribute to all Canadians - individuals, communities, voluntary organizations, the private and the public sector - each of us doing our part to make our quality of life literally second to none. And I am especially pleased that Canada is number one on the Gender Development Index for the second year running.

While the HDI tracks Canada's impressive achievements, it also tells us where we can improve. That is why, for example, we have made reducing child poverty one of our top priorities; by working in partnership with the provinces and territories to establish the new National Child Benefit, which will deliver some $1.7 billion in new income support into the hands of low-income working families by the year 2000.

There is a reason that we, as a nation, have received this international honour for five consecutive years. It is because we do not rest on our laurels. We do not become complacent. We constantly strive to make our country - and the world - a better place. That is what makes Canada such a valuable model to the world. And it is deeply gratifying and very moving for all Canadians to be honoured again with this distinction."

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