Dear Leaders,

As Canada enters the federal election period, it is clear that economic concerns, particularly the threat of U.S. tariffs and broader financial uncertainty, will dominate the conversation. These challenges are real and urgent. However, they cannot come at the expense of a serious discussion on Canada’s foreign policy and engagement with the world.

Canadians have long championed global solidarity and human rights, not just as ideals, but as vital to our own security, economy, and global standing. A stable, prosperous world benefits Canada. As you present your respective platforms in this federal election, Canadian voters will be expecting a clear vision for how Canada will uphold these values in 2025 and beyond.

Humanitarian needs have surged. In 2025, over 300 million people worldwide will require urgent humanitarian assistance and protection. This unprecedented figure reflects escalating conflicts, climate-related disasters, and economic instability affecting vulnerable populations globally. Human rights and democracy are under attack around the world. Canada must step up. Inaction today will cost far more than sustained engagement and prevention tomorrow.

Canada has shown leadership before in times of crisis. We must do so again.

Standing with those in need is not just a moral imperative. It is an investment in global stability, security, and our collective future. Investing in global health helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Investing in economic development opens new markets for Canadian businesses, driving job creation at home.

Leaders, investing in a strong, engaged Canada on the world stage is not just the right thing to do-it’s also in our interest.

The next government will face no shortage of challenges, from tackling the housing and cost-of-living crises at home, to managing a precarious relationship with the U.S. These priorities are urgent. But retreating from the world would be a short-sighted miscalculation of Canada’s national interests. Now is a time for Canada to invest in varied and diverse partnerships with countries across the world.

Cooperation Canada and our members are committed to working with you towards a strong, values-driven foreign policy that upholds human rights and dignity, strengthens global stability, and secures our collective future. We stand ready to offer insights and ideas on how-in a highly disrupted world order-Canada can step up and engage, including on international cooperation. Like any system, the international cooperation system should evolve, and we are ready to work with you to be part of this change.

As you present your platforms, we urge you to propose a clear and strategic vision for Canada’s global engagement. Canadians deserve to know how their country will engage with the world in ways that reflect our values, uphold our commitments, benefit our country and ensure our continued global leadership.

Sincerely,

Kate Higgins
CEO, Cooperation Canada

Ottawa, ON – Cooperation Canada welcomes the release of Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security, a long-awaited framework for strengthening Canada’s engagement with the African continent. The Strategy outlines key commitments, from enhancing diplomatic and economic cooperation to supporting development, climate adaptation, peace and human rights. This represents a positive step forward in Canada’s relationship with Africa.

However, for the Strategy to succeed, it must go beyond words and translate into concrete actions.

“Canada’s Africa Strategy is a good step towards clearer and more strategic engagement with the fastest-growing region in the world,” said Kate Higgins, CEO of Cooperation Canada. “While this Strategy signals an important shift, Canada must ensure that it is backed by clear investments, measurable goals and sustained diplomatic, economic and international assistance efforts.”

“In an uncertain geopolitical context, where others are retreating, it is in Canada’s interest to remain globally engaged. Canada cannot afford to stand on the sidelines while others forge stronger partnerships with Africa,” said Kate Higgins. “Cooperation Canada is committed to working with our members and partners – in Canada and in Africa – to foster an action-oriented Canada-Africa relationship that strengthens international cooperation and helps to shape a safer, fairer and more prosperous world.”

Notes to editors

• In recent years, Cooperation Canada and its members have actively engaged in consultations and dialogues with Global Affairs Canada, parliamentary committees, parliamentarians and others on Canada’s engagement with Africa.
• Recommendations were shared with Parliament and Global Affairs Canada in 2024.
• 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.

For media inquiries, please contact :
Gabriel Karasz-Perriau
Senior Communications Manager, Cooperation Canada
(514) 945-0309
[email protected]

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.”