At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, from November 15 to 16, 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced key investments to strengthen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. These reflect Canada’s commitment to advancing shared priorities with APEC partners and fostering a better future by focusing on a healthier planet and equal opportunities for all.
Expanding trade and investment
Canadian Voluntary Contributions to APEC to Support Inclusive Trade and Economies
Funding: $2,000,000 over three years (2025-27)
Description: This funding will help create tangible benefits for people living in the APEC region by supporting the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sub-Fund, the Women and the Economy Sub-Fund, and the APEC Policy Support Unit. It will strengthen the capacity of individuals and organizations in APEC member economies to implement programs and policies that positively impact MSMEs and women’s economic participation while advancing the APEC Policy Support Unit’s mission to provide robust research and analysis to support the development of evidence-based policies. Through this contribution, Canada is strengthening its support to and engagement with APEC and APEC developing economies to expand trade, investments, and supply chain resilience.
Creating opportunities for and protecting workers
Venezuelan Health Professionals Strengthen Peru’s Health System
Funding: Increase of $1,200,000 over two years (2024‑26), for a total value of $2,000,000
Description: Under the leadership of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, this project aims to advance the economic integration of qualified Venezuelan refugee and migrant professionals, particularly in fields such as engineering, business administration, and health care. It also supports degree revalidation, online skills enhancement opportunities, the recruitment of certified Venezuelan professionals, and short-term subsidized placements to help them gain local experience in the public and private sectors. Targeting at least 2,500 Venezuelan professionals in the health and other sectors, including 50 per cent of women, the project promotes economic independence through professional recognition and integration into Peru’s labour market, primarily in Lima, which concentrates 85 per cent of the country’s Venezuelan population.
Protecting Agricultural Workers in Peru Through the Promotion of Occupational Safety and Health
Funding: $600,000 over 18 months (2024-26)
Description: Implemented by the International Labour Organization, this project aims to improve working conditions and health and safety practices for farm workers in the northern Peruvian province of La Libertad, where key export crops like blueberries and grapes are grown. The project also focuses on strengthening the capacity of Peruvian labour authorities to develop and implement effective workplace health and safety policies and regulations. Additionally, it seeks to provide civil society and industry stakeholders with the tools they need to promote awareness of occupational hazards, prevention measures, and reporting mechanisms.
Improving climate resilience
Resilient Puna: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Sustainable High Andean Communities in Peru
Funding: $9,200,000 over five years (2024-29)
Description: This project implemented by the German Society for International Cooperation aims to increase climate and economic resilience in targeted Andean communities in Peru by providing technical assistance, establishing a financing facility with public and private investment, and supporting local and regional planning and governance. The project will enhance conservation, restoration, and ecosystem management practices for women and men, expand public and private financing for ecosystem-based adaptation and climate resilience, and strengthen the role of local authorities in climate adaptation planning and decision-making.
Building security capacity
BlackBerry Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence
Funding: $3,900,000 over three years (2024-27)
Description: The BlackBerry Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, which was launched earlier this year in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, aims to provide trainees with the skills needed to start or advance their careers in the cyber workforce in government, research, and industry sectors across the Indo-Pacific region. In partnership with BlackBerry and the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, a not-for-profit organization affiliated with Toronto Metropolitan University, this funding will help design, develop, and deliver cybersecurity training to 3,500 participants from Malaysia and other ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries, including women.
Advancing gender equality
Unleashing Her Potential: Empowering Girls and Young Women for the Exercise of their Rights in Peru
Funding: $9,000,000 over seven years (2024-31)
Description: Through the United Nations Population Fund, this initiative seeks to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of girls and young women in Peru, fostering a safe environment free from gender-based violence. The project aims to strengthen policies, laws, and financial frameworks related to SRHR, including for promotion, prevention, and response, and to improve access to quality gender-responsive services in health, education, protection, and justice. It also aims to improve behaviours, social norms, and cultural beliefs among girls, women, men, families, and communities to support positive gender norms. This initiative will directly benefit over 40,000 girls and young women in Ayacucho, Piura, and Lima, Peru.
Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership – Peru
Funding: $8,950,000 over six years (2024-30)
Description: Delivered in partnership with Cuso International, this project is part of Canada’s Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership program. It supports local and regional women’s rights organizations, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex plus (LBTQI+) groups, and feminist networks working to advance gender equality and the rights of women and girls in developing countries. The initiative provides funding to strengthen institutional capacity and build alliances among women’s rights organizations. In Peru, the project will support five local implementing partners in advancing their priorities and empower them to uphold the rights of women, girls, and LBTQI+ communities. It will benefit 10,000 women and girls, including Indigenous women, as well as LBTQI+ people, 600 community leaders, and local and regional authorities.
Building a fairer future for Indigenous Peoples
TAP-GOC-JUS ‒ Strengthening Intercultural Justice in Peru
Funding: $200,000 over one year (2024-25)
Description: Implemented by the Department of Justice Canada with funding from Global Affairs Canada’s Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP), this project aims to improve access to justice for Indigenous and Afro-Peruvian communities in Peru, including those living in remote areas and survivors of gender-based violence. Experts deployed through this project will provide technical assistance to the Peruvian judiciary to help develop a National Strategy on Intercultural Justice and address challenges faced by these communities in accessing the justice system.