During the recent election campaign, the Liberal Party promised to “protect Canada’s proud tradition of supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in times of crisis.”
It pledged to do this by maintaining the country’s international humanitarian assistance budget at no less than $800 million a year, and by supporting vulnerable women and girls in the Global South.
“We will ensure that our foreign assistance is gender responsive and helps the poorest and most vulnerable,” the party said.
Canadian Affairs spoke to the leaders of several Canadian aid organizations to get their thoughts on the Liberals’ campaign promises and what they would like to see the Carney government prioritize.
Andy Harrington, executive director of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, says Canada’s continued commitment to overseas development assistance funding would send “a powerful signal of solidarity and values” at a time when other countries — especially the U.S. — are cutting back on aid.
Canadian aid will not only help the world’s poorest people, he says, but will “also enhance Canada’s reputation as a compassionate leader on the global stage.”
Harrington hopes Canada will use its position as host of the G7 in June to strengthen other countries’ commitments to sustainable development and humanitarian aid.
Janice Hamilton, executive director of the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, agrees. The council represents 40 Manitoban organizations that receive funding from the province for international aid and development work.
Hamilton hopes Canada uses the G7 to encourage other countries to commit to international assistance. She noted the importance of maintaining gains in the areas of gender equality and child mortality, and of seeking ways to fill the gaps left by the withdrawal of USAID funding.
International assistance can also help Canada achieve its economic, domestic and foreign policy goals, she says.
“International assistance increases Canada’s security and economy,” she said. “Our investments help prevent crises before they reach our borders. They also create economic opportunities by supporting farmers and businesses in the Global South that in turn establish trade links with Canada.”
Kate Higgins, CEO of the umbrella aid group Cooperation Canada, says she understands that economic concerns such as affordability and U.S. tariffs will shape the immediate priorities of the Carney government. But she believes this is not the time to “turn inward.”
“Our global engagement is vital to our economic resilience, our security and our international credibility,” she said.
Anna Vogt, director of advocacy and public policy for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada, says there is a need to include peacebuilding in international relief and development efforts.
With conflict driving much of the world’s hunger, poverty and refugee challenges, “Canada should take a leadership role in peace in the world,” Vogt said. It should also be working behind the scenes diplomatically to defuse conflict.
MCC would like to see Canada play a significant role in refugee resettlement, Vogt said, along with addressing climate change.
Nicolas Moyer, CEO of Cuso International, says it is a time for “Canada to step up on the global stage.” This goes beyond simply not cutting aid, he says. Rather, it requires “formulating a vision for aid and how it can be a stabilizing force in this deeply destabilizing time.”
Moyer also believes the aid system can be improved. “Just doing more of the same isn’t good enough,” he says. “What can this government do to make it more efficient?”
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