Minister Wilson-Raybould Visits Vanuatu

OTTAWA, Aug. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada, and many other democracies, are working hard to provide justice systems that are compassionate, fair, and promote safe, peaceful and prosperous societies.

Today, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould began a two-day visit to the Republic of Vanuatu in the city of Port Vila. The working visit to Vanuatu is part of Canada's efforts to reach out to smaller independent countries and engage in mutually-beneficial discussions. Topics for her visit will include: Canada's on-going efforts to reform its own justice system, climate change, Canada's international trading position, economic development, and Canada's leadership role in empowering women in the economy.

Minister Wilson-Raybould will be welcomed in a Vanuatu Indigenous Kastom ceremony in the Domain of Chief Roi Mata, as well as meet with the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Justice of Vanuatu. She will also take the opportunity to meet with people who are benefiting from the UN Women's Markets for Change project, of which Canada is a proud contributor. The project supports women in Pacific Island countries by promoting gender equality and safety for women operating their own businesses.

Quick Facts

• Vanuatu is one of the fastest growing economies in the Pacific Region
• Canada has contributed to the UN Women's Markets for Change project to ensure the safety, inclusivity and promoting gender equality and women's empowerment for women in market places in rural and urban areas in Vanuatu
• Vanuatu became independent from Britain and France, and became a member of the Francophonie and the Commonwealth in 1979 and 1980

Quotes
"I am very pleased to visit Vanuatu and meet the ni-Vanuatu people. I look forward to learning how their legal system works and what initiatives and changes they have made to better empower their population. So many countries share a common desire for modernizing their justice systems to be more responsive and relevant to their citizens. Canada will work with our allies in the South Pacific, and elsewhere in the world, to share knowledge on leading practices and progressive initiatives aimed at creating a more fair, just and inclusive society."

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, P.C., Q.C., M.P.,
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Associated Links

• UN Women's Markets for Change

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SOURCE Department of Justice Canada