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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. 

Cooperation Canada Statement on Gaza

Cooperation Canada Statement on Gaza

by | May 23, 2025 | Humanitarian, News, Statement

Gaza’s entire population is pushed to the brink—starved under relentless bombardment and repeated forced displacement. Mortality rates from hunger and disease have surged for both children and adults, driven by Israel’s 11-week siege that has cut off access to food, water, electricity and critical medical aid. A new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns that famine is now “increasingly likely” unless the siege is lifted and humanitarian access is urgently restored.

Over the past 19 months, the world has watched in horror as more than 53,000 Palestinians—most of them women and children—have been killed by armed violence in Gaza. This is not a natural disaster; it is a human-engineered catastrophe.

As the national voice for international cooperation, Cooperation Canada is calling on the Government of Canada to take swift, strong and unequivocal action to confront this escalating crisis.

Humanitarian Aid Must Not Be Weaponized

The crisis is deepening, with Israel’s proposal to militarize aid delivery. Turning humanitarian relief into a tool of control puts civilians at even greater risk, undermines the neutrality of aid work and threatens to plunge Gaza into further chaos. It endangers the very principles that make humanitarian action possible—and sets a dangerous global precedent.

Over 400 humanitarian workers have already lost their lives in Gaza. This must stop.

Words Must Now Become Action

We acknowledge and welcome the Canadian government’s recent statements denouncing the use of food as a weapon, along with its joint declarations with the UK and France affirming the need for independent, neutral humanitarian aid. These are vital signals of growing international resolve—but they cannot stand alone.

The military offensive in Gaza is not slowing down—it is accelerating. After 19 months of destruction, starvation and displacement, the time has come for Canada to take a clear and courageous stand in both word and deed—consistent with international law and mounting global pressure.

Our Call to Action

We urge the Government of Canada, with decisive action, to lead efforts to:

  • Increase pressure on all parties to the conflict to adhere to an immediate and definitive ceasefire to protect civilians, enable the safe and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as the release of hostages and unlawfully detained prisoners.
  • Seize Canada’s leading role on the world stage, including through the G7 and the upcoming June UN conference on the two-state solution, to increase pressure for a prompt resolution to the conflict and respect for international humanitarian law (IHL).
  • Clearly state that Canada will not provide any financial or other support to the newly proposed aid delivery mechanism.
  • Strongly oppose measures that violate the impartiality and independence of humanitarian operations, in particular the vetting of beneficiaries or staff. Experience shows that such vetting imposed by Israel has been used to arbitrarily deny access to individuals and organizations without due process or explanation.
  • Take concrete economic and diplomatic restrictive measures, starting with halting all arms exports to Israel (including through the United States), while encouraging allies to do the same.
  • Expand coalitions and collective statements with like-minded countries to firmly reject Israel’s immoral weaponization of aid as well as any plans to intensify military operations or displace the population.

Cooperation Canada stands in solidarity with the people of Gaza—and with all those around the world who are forced to endure inhumane conditions, unimaginable suffering and the denial of their most basic dignity.

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.
 

Cooperation Canada and Canadian Humanitarian and International Development Organizations Welcome Prime Minister Carney and Incoming Government

Cooperation Canada and Canadian Humanitarian and International Development Organizations Welcome Prime Minister Carney and Incoming Government

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Finance, Global Leadership, News, Statement

We congratulate Prime Minister Carney on winning the 2025 federal election and welcome the new government.

We welcome the commitment to a strengthened role for Canada on the world stage. We look forward to contributing to a forward-looking, robust and coherent foreign policy that leverages development as a key pillar of global engagement, alongside diplomacy, defence and trade.

We understand that economic concerns—including affordability and U.S. tariffs—will shape the immediate priorities of the new government. These challenges are real and urgent. However, Canada cannot afford to turn inward. Our global engagement is vital to our economic resilience, our security, and our international credibility.

We are encouraged by Prime Minister Carney’s commitments to international cooperation, including to humanitarian assistance, and continued leadership on gender equality, climate change and human rights.

At a time when others are retreating, Canada has the opportunity to reaffirm its position as a proactive, solutions-driven global actor. The evolving nature of global crises demands an agile, efficient and inclusive international cooperation system and financial architecture that can tackle global challenges. It must prioritize the resilience and needs of the most vulnerable communities around the world.  It should support security, sustainability, equity and prosperity.

We stand ready to offer insights and solutions to the government on how to deliver values-driven and effective international assistance that maximizes impact, leverages Canadian expertise and shapes our collective future.

“In these challenging times, Canada has an unprecedented opportunity to lead with compassion and purpose,” said Kate Higgins, Cooperation Canada’s CEO. “As host of the G7 in 2025, Canada stands at a pivotal moment. This is our chance to step up and reaffirm our leadership on the world stage,” she said. “Canadian organizations look forward to working with the government and Canadian and global partners to create lasting solutions that address the world’s most pressing challenges and leverage strategic opportunities for influence and impact.”

 

Signatory organizations

Acted Canada
AidWatch Canada
Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
Alongside Hope – Auprès de l’espoir
Alternatives
Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI)
Atlantic Council for International Cooperation – Conseil atlantique pour la coopération internationale
Bigger Than Our Borders – Au-delà de nos frontières
British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCIC)
Canadian Association for Global Health – Association canadienne pour la santé mondiale
Canadian Feed The Children
Canadian Foodgrains Bank – Banque canadienne de grains
Canadian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (CNNTD) – Réseau canadien pour les maladies tropicales négligées (RCMTN)
CARE Canada
CAUSE Canada
Centre d’études et de coopération internationale (CECI)
Children Believe
Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University
CODE
Collaboration Santé Internationale
Compassion Canada
Crossroads International – Carrefour International
Cuso International
Development & Peace – Caritas Canada
Développement international Desjardins
Digital Opportunity Trust
Doctors of the World – Médecins du monde
Equality Fund – Fonds égalité
Farm Radio International – Radios rurales internationales
Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie
Food for the Hungry (FH) Canada
Grandmothers Advocacy Network – Mouvement de soutien des grands-mères
Habitat for Humanity Canada – Habitat pour l’humanité
Humanitarian Coalition – Coalition humanitaire
Humanité & Inclusion Canada
International Bureau for Children’s Rights (IBCR) – Bureau international des droits des enfants (BIDE)
International Centre for Human Rights Education (Equitas) – Centre international d’éducation aux droits humains (Equitas)
International Justice Mission Canada
Islamic Relief Canada – Secours islamique Canada
Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
KAIROS Canada
Kentro Christian Network
Lawyers Without Borders Canada – Avocats sans frontières Canada
Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
Mennonite Central Committee Canada – Comité central mennonite du Canada
Northern Council for Global Cooperation
Ontario Council for International Cooperation
Opportunity International Canada
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam-Québec
Plan International Canada
Presbyterian World Service & Development
Resilient Societies – Société résilientes
Results Canada – Résultats Canada
Right To Play International
Save the Children Canada – Aide à l’enfance Canada
SOCODEVI
Solidarité Union Coopération (SUCO)
Trade Facilitation Office Canada – Bureau de promotion du commerce Canada
The United Church of Canada – Église unie du Canada
UPA Développement international
VIDEA
WaterAid Canada
World Accord – International Development Agency
World Hope International Canada
World Renew
World Vision Canada – Vision mondiale Canada
World University Service of Canada (WUSC) – Entraide universitaire mondiale du Canada (EUMC)

International Assistance in the 2025 Federal Election Platforms

International Assistance in the 2025 Federal Election Platforms

by | Apr 24, 2025 | Finance, News, Statement

As outlined in our Open Letter to Leaders, economic concerns—including affordability and U.S. tariffs—are understandably shaping this election, as well as the priorities of the next government. These challenges are real and urgent. However, Canada cannot afford to turn inward. Our global engagement is vital to our economic resilience, our security, and our international credibility.

Canadians have consistently championed global cooperation, international assistance, and human rights—not just as ideals, but as central to our own well-being and prosperity, and a strategic investment in our collective future.

As the election approaches, Cooperation Canada has reviewed quantified commitments in the election platforms on international assistance. This is what they say.

  • The Liberal Party commits to supporting the poorest and most vulnerable in times of crisis by maintaining the international humanitarian assistance budget at no less than $800 million per year.
  • The Conservative Party commits to cut foreign aid to hostile regimes and global bureaucracies. Cuts would reduce the aid budget by approximately one-third, with annual cuts amounting to $2.8 billion by year four.
  • The Bloc Québécois and the New Democratic Party commit to boost international aid funding to 0.7 per cent of Canada’s Gross National Income. This would approximately double Canada’s international assistance envelope.

Cooperation Canada is committed to working with the next government and all federal parties to advance a values-driven, effective international cooperation and assistance agenda that delivers results, and strengthens our shared future.

Election 2025: An Open Letter to Leaders

Election 2025: An Open Letter to Leaders

by | Mar 25, 2025 | Finance, News, Statement

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

 

 

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