Ottawa, ON (OCT 1, 2019) – The Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC) is concerned about the 25% cut to Official Development Assistance (ODA) proposed in the Conservative Party of Canada’s electoral platform released today. In a letter sent to CCIC on June 7th, 2018, Andrew Scheer indicated: “I believe in the inherent benefits of development assistance to Canadians and the world. Conservatives are committed to strengthening Canada’s record on foreign aid.” This aligns with public support highlighted from a recent survey: 81% of Canadians agree that Canada should do its fair share along with other countries to help developing countries.
International development and humanitarian assistance are important parts of Canada’s global leadership that contribute to visible impacts. For example, South Korea went from a major aid recipient to an important trading partner for Canada and the world. In as little as 25 years, although there is still much to do, Rwanda, after suffering a vicious genocide, has gone from crisis to great strides in social and economic development.
The Conservative Party has a long history of leadership in international development and humanitarian assistance. The G8 Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) launched in 2010 by the Conservative government was widely acclaimed in Canada and abroad. CCIC welcomes further discussions with the Conservative Party of Canada on international assistance, and how Canada can continue to be a global leader in a fast changing and interconnected world.
CCIC published a media advisory and a fact sheet outlining some key figures on Canada’s role in international assistance. We also sent a survey to leaders of federal political parties on their positions regarding international co-operation issues. We invite all parties to submit their answers. The results will be published on our site here.
– 30-
About the Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC)
The Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC) is Canada’s national association representing international development and humanitarian organizations. Together with our member organizations, CCIC seeks to end global poverty and to promote social justice and human dignity for all. CCIC is committed to making this goal a public priority and to encouraging the actions necessary to make a poverty-free world a reality.
Media Contact:
Thida Ith, Media and Communications Officer
[email protected] / Phone: (613) 241-7007 ext. 343/ Cell phone: (437) 779-0883