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Cooperation Canada’s Reaction to the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit

Cooperation Canada’s Reaction to the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit

by | Jun 17, 2025 | Global Leadership, News, Statement

The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit has concluded in Kananaskis, Alberta, which marked the G7’s 50th anniversary.

The G7 had a chance to lead—but did not meet the moment. In the face of rising humanitarian needs and intensifying climate, conflict and debt crises, the Summit lacked the urgency, ambition and bold vision required to respond to today’s converging crises.

The lack of meaningful dialogue this week on shrinking aid budgets—despite escalating global needs—signals a worrying retreat from international solidarity. The prioritization of military spending without corresponding increases in development assistance is a short-sighted misstep.

The Summit failed to match the ambition of previous summits on development, including the G8 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis in 2002, when world leaders placed Africa and bold development cooperation at the heart of their agenda. The mention of debt relief fell far short of the concrete action required to reform global financial systems and address unsustainable debt burdens in low-income countries.

While we welcome Canada’s enhanced support for Ukraine, we are concerned by the lack of attention to crises in Sudan, the Sahel and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and protection of civilians in the Middle East are positive, we regret the absence of strong commitments to restore humanitarian access and uphold international humanitarian law. We welcome the G7’s opposition to transnational repression—an important affirmation of civic space, human rights and international law.

We commend Canada for its leadership in convening this Summit at a time of great global disruption and for efforts to reflect the complexity of today’s global landscape. We welcome the inclusion of world leaders beyond the G7 and the leaders of the United Nations and the World Bank and note with optimism steps toward stronger G7–G20 alignment. Greater coherence across global governance forums is essential to addressing shared challenges.

“Ultimately, while this Summit was a demonstration of international cooperation at a time of deep global instability, it fell short of the moment. It failed to deliver the collective ambition needed to address escalating humanitarian crises, deepening inequality, conflict and threats to human rights,” said Kate Higgins, CEO of Cooperation Canada.

“Cooperation Canada stands ready to support Canada’s G7 Presidency in the months ahead to ensure it becomes a force for good in a time of global disruption,” she said. “Civil society has a vital role to play in shaping global processes like the G7, and we will continue to advocate for meaningful participation, including at upcoming G7 Ministers’ Meetings, to help build a fairer, safer and more sustainable world.”

Notes to Editors

  • Cooperation Canada is the national voice for Canadian international development and humanitarian organizations. Representing over 100 organizations, we convene, coordinate and advocate for effective, inclusive and accountable international cooperation that contributes to a fairer, safer and more sustainable world.

Media Contact

Gabriel Karasz-Perriau, Senior Communications Manager
[email protected]
(514) 945-0309

Cooperation Canada’s Reaction to the 2025-2026 Main Estimates

Cooperation Canada’s Reaction to the 2025-2026 Main Estimates

by | Jun 10, 2025 | Global Leadership, News, Statement

The 2025–2026 Main Estimates, tabled by the Government of Canada on 27 May 2025,  outline planned federal expenditures totaling $486.9 billion. These estimates serve as a foundational component of the government’s expenditure plan, detailing the financial resources required by departments and agencies to deliver programs and services for the fiscal year. Given that the government has not yet produced a budget for 2025-2026, this is our best indication of the direction of government spending.  

Decline in International Assistance Funding 

A notable concern within the 2025–2026 Main Estimates is the apparent decline in allocations for international assistance. While specific figures for the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) are not detailed in the Main Estimates, the overall trend indicates a reduction in funding for global development initiatives.   

This is concerning given the pressing global challenges that require sustained support, as well as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pledge not to cut Canada’s foreign aid or development financing during the 2025 federal election campaign.   

The Government of Canada’s latest published figures for 2023-2024 had the IAE at $12.3 billion and Official Development Assistance (ODA) at $10.2 billion. Canadian ODA in 2023-2024 which could be directed to other purposes beyond in-donor support for refugees and special support for Ukraine and Covid-19, already declined by 6% from 2022-2023. 

Laying the Groundwork for Robust International Cooperation 

Amid escalating global crises, development and humanitarian needs are intensifying, and funding shortfalls from other key donors are widening. It is imperative for the government to maintain and safeguard ODA, and to do so through a multi-year budget trajectory for the International Assistance Envelope which ensures investments are timely, transparent and predictable. 

Budget transparency and predictability are essential for maximizing the impact of Canadian assistance. This builds trust with Canadians and international partners and enables more effective coordination, planning, and strategic allocation of resources. 

Likewise, we must protect and expand humanitarian assistance, upholding Canada’s tradition of supporting the world’s most vulnerable in times of crisis. This government has committed to maintaining an annual international humanitarian assistance budget of no less than $800 million. In times of exacerbated crisis, the government should increase this investment in line with global needs, building on Canada’s leadership, which reached a high of $1.3 billion in 2022–2023. 

This is also an opportunity to modernize Canada international assistance systems to make our engagement more effective and to better balance funding across civil society, multilateral and bilateral channels for maximized impact. Likewise, we should enhance funding flexibility to support local leadership and respond to changing contexts, while leveraging new and innovative Canadian and global partnerships. 

As Canada prepares to welcome world leaders to the 2025 G7 Summit later this month, we look ahead with anticipation to how it will demonstrate global leadership by reaffirming its commitment to principled and impactful international cooperation. 

Notes to Editors

  • Cooperation Canada is the national voice for Canadian international development and humanitarian organizations. Representing over 100 organizations, we convene, coordinate and advocate for effective, inclusive and accountable international cooperation that contributes to a fairer, safer and more sustainable world.

Media Contact

Gabriel Karasz-Perriau, Senior Communications Manager
[email protected]
(514) 945-0309

Speech from the Throne

Speech from the Throne

by | May 29, 2025 | Global Leadership, News, Statement

Cooperation Canada welcomes commitments in the Speech from the Throne to build a coalition of like-minded countries that believe in international cooperation and for Canada to play a leading role in these efforts, starting with the G7 summit in June.  

This builds on measures put forward by the government which recognize that Canada’s sovereignty, security and prosperity are tied to global stability, as well as the mandate letter to Cabinet that calls for Canada to redefine its international, commercial and security relationships. 

While the Speech from the Throne remained silent on issues related to gender equality, international development and humanitarian action, we note previous commitments made by Prime Minister Carney and this government on these issues.  

As the national independent voice and coalition for international cooperation, Cooperation Canada therefore looks forward to engaging with this government to: 

  • Maintain and safeguard Official Development Assistance (ODA) and work towards strengthened partnerships and impact 
  • Protect and expand humanitarian assistance and immediately prioritize International Humanitarian Law 
  • Champion civic space and human rights in response to the rise of global authoritarianism 
  • Advance gender equality and leverage Canada’s global positioning and expertise for influence in an increasingly polarized global context 
  • Develop a coherent Canadian foreign policy which integrates international development 

The upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit will provide an excellent opportunity for Canada to demonstrate leadership on these issues and to secure signature G7 investments in international assistance, drive action to address the global debt crisis and champion reform of the international financial architecture. 

Notes to Editors

  • Cooperation Canada is the national voice for Canadian international development and humanitarian organizations. Representing over 100 organizations, we convene, coordinate and advocate for effective, inclusive and accountable international cooperation that contributes to a fairer, safer and more sustainable world.

Media Contact

Gabriel Karasz-Perriau, Senior Communications Manager
[email protected]
(514) 945-0309

Cooperation Canada Welcomes Anita Anand – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Randeep Sarai – Secretary of State for International Development

Cooperation Canada Welcomes Anita Anand – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Randeep Sarai – Secretary of State for International Development

by | May 13, 2025 | Finance, Global Leadership, News, Statement

Cooperation Canada congratulates Anita Anand on her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. We look forward to working with Minister Anand to advance Canada’s role in global cooperation, diplomacy and development. 

We also extend our congratulations to Randeep Sarai on his appointment as Secretary of State for International Development. His leadership will play an important role in driving Canada’s commitments for a more just world. 

With international development now positioned within the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ portfolio, we take note of the appointment of a dedicated Secretary of State to ensure sustained leadership and attention to Canada’s international development efforts. 

Cooperation Canada and our members are committed to collaborating with both Minister Anand and Secretary of State Sarai to ensure that international development remains a key priority for Canada and reflects the needs of our global partners. 

Together with over 65 Canadian international development and humanitarian partners, Cooperation Canada welcomes the government’s commitment to international cooperation and a strengthened role for Canada on the world stage. We look forward to working with the government to help shape a coherent and future-oriented foreign policy – one that leverages international development as a key pillar of Canada’s global engagement alongside diplomacy, defence and trade. 

The government’s commitment to maintaining — at a minimum — current levels of international humanitarian assistance and official development assistance is an essential step. These investments are critical for saving lives, protecting civilians and contributing to rebuilding a rules-based international order. They are also fundamental to advancing Canada’s leadership on gender equality, climate change, human rights, peace and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The current global landscape is marked by both profound instability and significant opportunity. In this context, Canada cannot afford to retreat from global cooperation. Rising humanitarian needs driven by conflict, climate-related disasters and economic volatility demand urgent attention. Simultaneously, fundamental rights — including gender equality, democracy and civic space — are under threat in many parts of the world. Yet, through strategic international partnerships, Canada has the opportunity to foster economic growth, strengthen alliances and contribute to preventing future crises. 

“At a time when many are retreating from international cooperation – and as Canada leads the G7 – we have a unique opportunity to lead with principle and purpose,” said Kate Higgins, CEO of Cooperation Canada. “Cooperation Canada looks forward to working with Minister Anand, Secretary of State Sarai, and the government — together with our members and partners in Canada and globally — to advance values-driven and effective international cooperation. Our shared goal is to support the resilience and needs of the most vulnerable communities, maximize impact, leverage expertise and help shape a better future,” she said.
 

Canada’s International Assistance Spending: Insights from 2023/24

Canada’s International Assistance Spending: Insights from 2023/24

by | May 9, 2025 | Finance, Global Leadership, Humanitarian, News

Global Affairs Canada’s 2023–2024 Statistical Report on International Assistance, alongside preliminary data from the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), offers fresh insights into Canada’s aid landscape. While the two datasets are not directly comparable due to different time frames, together they help paint a broader picture of trends in Canada’s international assistance, building on the Aid Trends highlights released by Cooperation Canada and AidWatch Canada in January 2025. 

Canada reported total international assistance of $12.3 billion in 2023/24, of which $10.1 billion qualifies as Official Development Assistance (ODA). This represents a significant decline of almost a quarter of Canadian international assistance compared to 2022/23, but still significantly above pre-pandemic levels, taking inflation into account.  

The major departments disbursing Canada’s international assistance were:  

  • $6 billion by Global Affairs Canada 
  • $2.6 billion by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 
  • $2.6 billion by Department of Finance of Canada (including a $2 billion loan to Ukraine, about half of which is ODA-eligible) 
  • $650 million was allocated to capitalize FinDev Canada 

 

In-Canada Spending Reaches 30% of Total Aid 

In 2023/24, 30% of Canada’s international assistance was spent domestically, primarily on refugee support during their first year in Canada, as well as administrative costs. In-donor refugee costs rose by 20% in a single year and by 150% compared to 2019/20. This upward trend contrasts with other DAC donors, many of whom are reducing this type of spending in 2024.  

ODA spent within Canada now exceeds, by 25%, the total assistance provided to Sub-Saharan Africa. While such domestic spending is permitted under OECD rules, it reduces the share of funding reaching lower-income countries and detracts from ODA’s core purpose, poverty alleviation and addressing inequalities in the Global South. 

In addition to rising domestic expenditures, a significant portion of Canadian aid continues to be directed to Ukraine. In 2022/23, Ukraine became the largest single recipient of Canadian ODA in history and is likely to continue to be a major portion of its international assistance as reconstruction efforts will be undertaken. 

When combined, in-Canada spending and aid to Ukraine accounted for 45% of Canada’s total ODA in 2023/24, leaving just 55%, or $5.6 billion, available for all other countries and priorities. For comparison, this figure was 76% in 2019/20. Other top recipients of Canadian international assistance, trailing far behind Ukraine, include Ethiopia, Haiti, South Africa, and Bangladesh. 

As aid budgets shrink globally, the growing diversion of Canada’s ODA to domestic priorities undermines the effectiveness of Canada’s development and humanitarian efforts, which are essential to addressing the root causes of insecurity and displacement. Supporting refugees in Canada is vital, but it must complement, not replace, Canada’s commitments to the Global South. 

 

Humanitarian Funding  

Canada has consistently stepped up as a global humanitarian donor, often playing a critical leadership role. In 2023/24, it provided $803 million in humanitarian assistance. The Liberal Party, in its electoral platform, pledged to maintain a minimum of $800 million annually, reaffirming its commitment to global crisis response. However, this recent figure is a big drop from 2022/23, at $1.265 billion, and is the lowest since 2015/16 ($698 million, or $892 million in 2025 dollars), marking the reversal of a trend to increase humanitarian assistance. 

 

ODA Decline Among Donor Countries 

Preliminary OECD-DAC data for calendar year 2024 shows a notable shift in the global aid landscape, as total ODA from DAC member countries declined for the first time in six years. Overall, global ODA totaling USD 212.1B represents a 7.1% drop in real terms compared to 2023. 

Canada contributed 0.34% of its GNI (compared to the DAC average of 0.33%), ranking 15th in relative terms. In absolute terms, however, it stood in 7th place. This is consistent with Canada’s placement from the last few years. 

For more in-depth analysis of Canadian aid trends, please consult the highlights of the 2024 Canadian Aid Trends or full briefing notes, and the 2023 Canadian Aid Trends report. 

 

 

Darron Seller-Peritz

Darron Seller-Peritz

Policy Analyst and Program Officer
A Look Back on the 2025 Civil 7 Summit

A Look Back on the 2025 Civil 7 Summit

by | May 8, 2025 | Global Leadership, News

The 2025 Civil 7 (C7) Summit took place on April 14–15 in Ottawa, marking a significant moment in global civil society engagement. Over 130 attendees from 11 countries convened at the Ottawa Art Gallery over the course of two days, which consisted of 8 sessions and a reception.

As an official G7 engagement group, the C7 brings together civil society organizations (CSOs) from around the world to develop policy recommendations for G7 leaders. This year’s summit focused on the theme “Global Justice, Together,” emphasizing inclusive and equitable solutions to global challenges.

Key Themes and Working Groups

The C7 Summit organized its work around several thematic priorities, each led by dedicated working groups:

  • Climate, Energy & Environment: Addressing climate adaptation, financing, biodiversity loss and a just transition to renewable energy.
  • Economic Justice: Advocating for fair tax policies, trade justice, debt relief and reforms in global financial systems.
  • Humanitarian Action & Peace: Focusing on enhancing humanitarian aid, ensuring access and promoting global security policies that prioritize civilian protection.
  • Sustainable Development: Tackling issues like food security, global health and education to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, democracy and civic space and evolving technology were also integral to the discussions.

C7 Communiqué

The summit culminated in the release of the 2025 C7 Communiqué, which encapsulates the collective recommendations of global civil society to the G7. The communiqué calls for systemic changes to address interconnected global crises, emphasizing the need for policy coherence and inclusive approaches that leave no one behind. At the end of the Summit, the Communiqué was presented to the Personal Representative of the Prime Minister (Sherpa) for the G7 Summit.

Engagement with the G7

The C7 Summit serves as a platform for civil society to engage with the G7, ensuring that diverse perspectives are taken into account, especially from the Global South.

As Canada holds the G7 presidency in 2025, the recommendations from the C7 are poised to play a significant role in shaping the discussions and decisions of the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit, as well as ministerial meetings throughout the year.

For more detailed information and to access the full C7 Communiqué, you can visit the official C7 website.

 

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View the photo gallery from the event!

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