BURNABY, B.C. — James Moore, Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister for International Cooperation, today announced $990,000 in funding to Simon Fraser University for a development project in Bolivia.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with Simon Fraser University in this economic development project, which will help to make a difference in the lives of people living in Bolivia,” said Minister Oda. “We are proud to be actively re-engaging in the Americas to help build a more democratic, prosperous and secure hemisphere.”

“The people of British Columbia and all Canadians should be proud of the difference our academic experts are making in the world by sharing their knowledge and skills,” said Mr. Moore. “This project will allow Canadians to help Bolivians open the door to greater economic opportunities and a better quality of life.”

“Bolivia is in an exciting phase in its history. On the one hand, it faces extreme poverty levels of more than 63 percent. On the other hand, Bolivia’s indigenous peoples have recognized their potential as a majority population and have elected the first indigenous president. The training that people will receive through this project will help communities to develop local economies and enterprises that are both equitable and sustainable,” said Dr. John Brohman, professor of Geography, and associate professor of the Latin American Studies Program and the Centre for Sustainable Community Development.

This funding will be used to create university-based training in community economic development in Bolivia. The training will be available to people working with rural and urban communities throughout the country, providing tools for appropriate, sustainable development.

This support has been provided through the Canadian International Development Agency under the University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development Program (UPCD), administered by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.