(February 27, 2018) –
The Canadian federal budget announced today provides an additional $2-billion over five years to international development assistance. These new funds will bolster Canada’s foreign and development policy which seeks to improve the lives of children, especially girls, across the globe, according to World Vision, Canada’s largest international humanitarian and development agency.
For millions of women and girls, particularly those caught in conflicts and disasters, greater investments are needed for Canada to meet its international commitments to help address chronic extreme poverty, protect the most vulnerable from violence and champion basic human rights, according to World Vision.
“We’re very encouraged by today’s budget, Canada is demonstrating global leadership that helps put ambition into action,” says Michael Messenger, President and CEO, World Vision Canada. “Escalating conflict, health pandemic threats and weakened economies have created global needs we haven’t seen in recent times, especially for the most vulnerable children --- and Canadian international assistance is an important part of the solution.”
“Today is an important and necessary first step. We’re pleased by the government’s commitment to annual increases to international assistance. International development has proven to make a huge difference, particularly for children. Saving lives, strengthening communities and improving global economies is not only the right thing to do, it directly benefits Canada as well.”
Quick Facts:
- Additional US$5–7 trillion needed to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 (UN)
- Canada required to double international development assistance to meet international commitments (World Vision)
- Canada currently gives 28 cents for every $100 of its Gross National Income to international assistance (OECD)
- Canada is currently ranked 14th on the list of major donor countries (OECD)