CIDA: MP Joy Smith Launches the Rebuilding Afghanistan Photo Exhibit in Winnipeg, Manitoba

"As Canadians, we are fortunate enough to enjoy freedom and democracy, values essential to our quality of life. This is not the case for many Afghans striving to rise above a legacy of poverty and oppression," said Ms. Smith. "This exhibit presents a series of photographs that capture the spirit and resilience of the Afghan people. Canada is active in rebuilding Afghanistan and in improving the lives of Afghans. I encourage the public to stop by the Kildonan Place Mall to take a close look at these photos which provide a glimpse into the important work our country is doing to help the people of Afghanistan."

The exhibit is being shown across Canada over the coming months and can also be viewed online at www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

Last year, Canada's New Government, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), spent more than $139 million on aid and development in Afghanistan, making it the single largest recipient of Canadian foreign aid. In February, the Prime Minister announced an additional $200 million, for both this year and next, to go towards governance and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan.

Canada addresses the basic human needs of Afghans and supports projects that:

- strengthen democratic development and effective governance from the grass roots up to the national level, and build public institutions worthy of the trust and confidence of all Afghan citizens;

- enhance the role of women and girls by ensuring that they have a greater voice in society as well as improved access to services and opportunities; and

- help rural Afghans develop sustainable agriculture-based livelihoods to increase income levels and food self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on poppy cultivation.

For more information on Canada's programs in Afghanistan, please refer to the CIDA website at www.canada-afghanistan.gc.ca

http://www.cida.gc.ca (electronic version of document)