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OTTAWA – In a statement marking the International Day of the Girl Child, Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canada is committed to giving girls a strong foundation to succeed in life.

Harper says the government is promoting the rights of girls in a number of ways, including initiatives that deter violence, sexual exploitation and cyber-crimes.

Internationally, Harper says Canada continues to make significant contributions by supporting efforts that promote access to education, nutrition and health services.

The prime minister says that in too many places around the globe, girls are still denied access to quality education, nutrition and health services.

And he calls Canada a global leader on maternal, newborn and child health.

Harper also says he’s looking forward to meeting Malala Yousafzai, the 17-year-old Pakistani education activist who shared this year’s Nobel Peace prize, when she formally receives honorary Canadian citizenship later this month.

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