John Baird and Princess Mabel Van Oranje

Princess Mabel van Oranje: Princess Mabel van Oranje of the Netherlands praised the government so-called child bride initiative, saying it has made Canada a world leader on an international development issue that has few champions, according to CTV. Baird also announced another $10 million contribution to the initiative on top of a $20-million commitment earlier this year and - A Dutch princess lauded by the Harper government for her efforts to oppose the forced marriage of young girls is calling on Canada and its wealthy partner countries to boost overall aid spending. On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird bestowed the government John Diefenbaker human rights award on van Oranje organization, Girls Not Brides, an umbrella group of 400 non-governmental organizations operating in 60 countries. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.