Hon. Amina Gerba: Leader, in March of this year, Canada announced a new Africa strategy. At the recent G20 summit in South Africa, however, the Prime Minister said that Africa wasn’t one of Canada’s first priorities.

Senator Moreau, at a time when all G7 partners are investing heavily in Africa and the major powers are jockeying for access to the African continent, can you explain why there’s such a disconnect between the strategy launched by the Government of Canada a few months ago and the Prime Minister’s worrisome statement in South Africa?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator Gerba, as you know, since you have a particular interest in this issue, Canada and the African nations have a very long history of collaboration in advancing shared priorities.

Over the past five years, Canada has invested nearly $5 billion to support development on the African continent.

During his visit to South Africa, the Prime Minister announced the opening of FinDev Canada’s new office in Cape Town. This office will give Canadian businesses access to new opportunities across the continent. Diplomatic and economic relations between Canada and African countries will lead to greater economic cooperation and partnerships in peace and prosperity. I have the government’s assurance that its investments in the African continent and, more specifically, the Prime Minister’s recent visit to South Africa confirm Canada’s interest in Africa.

Senator Gerba: Senator Moreau, I understand the announcements, but the Prime Minister missed a chance to talk with his African counterparts on African soil. Are we to understand that Africa isn’t going to become a priority again once Canada launches a fresh bid for a seat on the Security Council?

Senator Moreau: Frankly, I fail to see how the two things are connected. Canada isn’t a member of the Security Council. Nevertheless, I told you that Canada’s investments in Africa over the last five years amount to $5 billion. Diplomatic and economic relations between Canada and a continent as important as Africa would never be used as bargaining chips to advance political aspirations involving the United Nations.

I can confirm that Canada’s Africa Strategy is being implemented in accordance with the priorities announced by the government and the Prime Minister.