OTTAWA, Ontario, Feb. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Grand Challenges Canada today welcomed the Government of Canada’s strong new commitment to support development innovation through the creation of the International Assistance Innovation Program and Sovereign Loans Program, announced in Budget 2018.
Dr. Peter A. Singer, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Challenges Canada said: “Today the government is walking the walk when it comes to both international assistance and development innovation. In this budget, the government has delivered. We are grateful to the Government of Canada and Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau for their leadership in undertaking this strong new commitment. It will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most, in particular, women and girls.”
Grand Challenges Canada applauded commitments to strengthen support for the Feminist International Assistance Policy in the budget, with a specific focus on exploring new and innovative ways to engage internationally. This announcement builds on Canada’s existing global leadership in development innovation through Global Affairs Canada and its innovation partners and platforms including Grand Challenges Canada.
“When it comes to the delivery of international assistance, investments in innovation translate directly into practical benefits that can save and improve lives, and unlock lasting opportunity.” continued Singer.
Since its launch in 2010, Grand Challenges Canada has funded 1,000 innovations championed by innovators in more than 90 countries. These innovations are expected to save more than one million lives and improve more than 25 million lives by 2030.
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About Grand Challenges Canada
Grand Challenges Canada is dedicated to supporting Bold Ideas with Big Impact®. Funded by the Government of Canada and other partners, Grand Challenges Canada funds innovators in low- and middle-income countries and Canada. The bold ideas Grand Challenges Canada supports integrate science and technology, social and business innovation – known as Integrated Innovation®. One of the largest impact-first investors in Canada, and with a feminist investment approach, Grand Challenges Canada has supported a pipeline of 1000 innovations in 90 countries. Grand Challenges Canada estimates that these innovations have the potential to save up to 1 million lives and improve up to 25 million lives by 2030.
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For Media Enquiries:
David Brook
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Grand Challenges Canada
T. +1.613.567.0399
david.brook@grandchallenges.ca