A coalition of over 100 NGOs, led by Cooperation Canada and the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH), express their concern over the government’s decision to reduce Canada’s International Assistance Envelope in Budget 2025 tabled today. This marks a retreat from our global commitments, and breaks a promise made by Prime Minister Carney during the election campaign.
We are facing increased global instability. Authoritarian regimes have gained momentum, human rights are increasingly under threat, climate impacts are deepening global inequities, and humanitarian needs are at an all-time high. In this context, the government has chosen to reduce Canada’s international assistance by $2.7 billion over four years, including decreased development funding for global health.
Government leaders are navigating an exceptionally difficult moment. We recognize the precarious economic situation faced by Canadians, and international assistance is part of increasing prosperity at home. Evidence shows that these investments are cost effective and have real returns in terms of strengthening Canadian security, and expanding our global relationships and economic resilience.
“It is clear that any savings resulting from cutting the international assistance budget will be short-lived. Cuts erode Canada’s credibility with our global partners and blunt our capacity to shape outcomes that affect Canadians at home. Cooperation Canada and our members will continue to engage constructively with the government to reinforce that Canada’s global leadership cannot be taken for granted and that our commitments must be met,” said Kate Higgins, Chief Executive Officer for Cooperation Canada.
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