Canada increases financial support to UNFPA

The Government of Canada announced on 1 December that it would substantially increase its contributions to UNFPA over the next four years. The total Canadian support for UNFPA over that period will reach Can$ 67.4 million (US$ 1=Can$1.23) – or almost Can$17 million per year, compared to Can$ 13.1 million it gave to UNFPA in 2004. Out of the total amount, Can$ 9 million will be used to provide reproductive health supplies needed by developing countries. (Source: UNFPA News, 1 December) particular to a number of recommendations contained in the Plan of Action on Population and Poverty adopted at the Fifth Asian and Pacific Population Conference (Bangkok, 2002). Specifically, they will address recommendations dealing with international migration, gender, capacity-building, improving data collection, knowledge-sharing and strengthening partnerships.