Prime Minister Welcomes Canada's Top Rating on 1999 UN Human Development Index


July 12, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today welcomed the news that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has once again ranked Canada first in its Human Development Index, which rates 174 countries on their ability to provide citizens with a long and healthy life, knowledge and a decent standard of living. This is the sixth year in a row and the seventh time in 10 years that Canada has ranked number one on the Index.

"We, as Canadians, should be very proud. Together, we have built a country which is the envy of the world a country founded on tolerance, cooperation and inclusion, and a country willing to share its good fortune and prosperity with others." said the Prime Minister. "In recent months, the world has been shaken by the events in Kosovo; by the horror and tragedy that can result when division and intolerance reign. As in the past, Canada contributed to international efforts to establish peace, we opened our doors to those seeking refuge and we provided humanitarian assistance to those in need."

For the third year in a row, Canada also ranked first on the UNDP's gender-related Development Index. Canada moved up to 4th from 7th place on the Gender Empowerment Measure, which assesses women's economic and political participation as well as decision-making.

"Of course there is much more to be done," the Prime Minister added. "Our government remains committed to working in partnership with the provinces, the territories as well as all Canadians to improve our economy, our environment and our health. Our success, as always, will be based on the Canadian idea that creating opportunity and prosperity has never, in itself, been enough. To have real meaning, they must be shared throughout society."

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