Cooperation Canada Statement on USAID Cuts and Canada’s Role in the World

Cooperation Canada is deeply concerned about the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the impact of the immediate pause in United States foreign assistance.

“This pause is already having catastrophic consequences on communities around the world,” said Kate Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada. “Food crises are worsening, health services are vanishing, and entire communities – many of them women and children – are being left without protection. These cuts are costing lives.  They are also undermining the global rules-based order that Canada has long championed,” Higgins said.

As the world’s largest donor, the U.S. withdrawal creates a dangerous gap in the global humanitarian and development system. Cooperation Canada stands alongside our partners in the U.S. and around the world who continue to champion the power of international cooperation.

Cooperation Canada welcomes the Government of Canada’s concern about the impact of these cuts and its recognition that international assistance is an investment in global and domestic security and well-being.

We also recognize that these cuts, and the resulting disruption of the global humanitarian system, are taking place at a time when economic security, and potential U.S. tariffs specifically, are the top concern for Canadians and the Canadian government.

However, Canada’s foreign engagement should not be reduced to economic transactions with the U.S. alone. At this time of global uncertainty, when others are retreating, it is in Canada’s interest to remain globally engaged. Cooperation Canada recognizes that steps are needed to modernize the global development and humanitarian system. However, the abrupt actions of the U.S. administration are destructive and will cost lives.

Canada has an opportunity to step up and provide strategic international assistance where the needs are greatest, and the impacts will be most felt.  As the current President of the G7, we urge the Government of Canada to lead by example and to rally global partners around strategic and compassionate commitments to international cooperation, stability, and humanitarian action.

“Investing in international assistance strengthens communities, enhances security, and positions Canada to have influence in a rapidly changing world,” Higgins said. “It is both the right and the smart thing to do,” she added.

“Cooperation Canada and its members stand ready to work with the government, with Canadians and with other partners to ensure Canada remains a force for good in the world.”