From 4 to 10 February, Canadians from coast to coast to coast and internationally participated in International Development Week (IDW), an annual moment to celebrate Canada’s contributions to eradicating poverty and to a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous world. Cooperation Canada didn’t miss the opportunity, and we feel we’ve accomplished a great deal with the support of our partners and, above all, our valued members.
On February 5, the ARC Hub organized a screening of Zo Reken, a film exploring humanitarian aid in Haiti, neocolonialism, and the unmet promises of international cooperation. The screening was followed by an insightful Q&A session, exploring the intersections between International Development Week and anti-racism efforts within the sector, especially during Black History Month.
On February 6, Cooperation Canada and its members took to Parliament Hill and pushed for Canada to strengthen its global leadership ahead of Budget 2024, meeting with over 50 Members of Parliament, Senators, and political staff from the Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party, Green Party, New Democratic Party and Liberal Party. This day of dialogue with Canadian decision-makers ended with a Parliamentary Reception where, accompanied by partner organizations and supported by politicians, sector leaders, and supporters, we celebrated the positive impact of Canadian international cooperation in the world.
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We also recognized innovation and excellence in international cooperation at the annual Cooperation Canada Awards. On February 7, we congratulated Catherine Liao, Director at ReSurge Africa, and Odette McCarthy, Executive Director at Equitas, winners of the Karen Takacs Awards, for their feminist advocacy and collaborative leadership in international cooperation. Musu Taylor-Lewis, Executive Director at Food for the Hungry, and Tiyahna Padmore, Project Manager at World Vision Canada, were winners of the Innovation & Impact Awards (individual) in partnership with WUSC, for their leadership on anti-racism and decolonization in international cooperation. Girls of Tomorrow Foundation won the Innovation & Impact Award (organization) in partnership with WUSC, for their work combating menstrual stigma in Uganda.
Finally, on February 8, our CEO Kate Higgins, and our Policy Lead Carelle Mang-Benza appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade to discuss Canada’s engagement with Africa.
