As Canada approaches the 2025 Federal Budget on November 4, the government faces major fiscal constraints, including planned spending reductions across departments over the next three years. At this critical juncture, Cooperation Canada and its members are working to ensure the government honours its commitments: to avoid cuts to foreign aid and sustain international humanitarian assistance at a minimum of $800 million annually. 

This budget will clearly reflect the Carney Government’s priorities, and it’s vital that the international cooperation sector speaks with one voice: Canada’s global engagement isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Our Case: Why ODA Matters 

Humanitarian needs have reached record highs. In 2024, more than 300 million people required urgent assistance, yet only 43% of global appeals were funded. Crises in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and the Sahel continue to escalate, compounded by climate shocks, shrinking civic space and deepening inequalities. 

Meanwhile, major donors are retreating from their international commitments. The OECD projects a 9–17% drop in global aid in 2025. Canada must not follow that trend. 

Official Development Assistance (ODA) is not charity, it’s strategic. $1 invested in prevention can save up to $60 in military intervention costs and $1 in invested in ODA yields on average $1.19 in Canadian exports. ODA strengthens global stability, supports democracy and human rights and advances Canada’s own prosperity and security. 

That’s why we are calling on Canada to maintain ODA at $10.6 billion in Budget 2025. This represents an inflation-adjusted safeguard of the most recently reported level in GAC’s Statistical Report on International Assistance and protects Canada’s capacity to respond to global crises, uphold international commitments and preserve development gains hard-won over decades. 

Our Advocacy: What We’re Doing 

In the weeks leading up to Budget 2025, Cooperation Canada is coordinating a focused advocacy campaign to ensure international cooperation remains a government priority.

Here’s how we’re doing it: 

  • Direct engagement with key decision-makers: We’re in active dialogue with senior officials at the Department of Finance, Global Affairs Canada and the Prime Minister’s Office. 
  • Parliamentary engagement: We’ve requested to appear before the House of Commons Finance Committee to highlight the impact and value of Canada’s international cooperation sector. 
  • Strategic outreach: Our team is connecting with officials and global partners through high-level events in New York and Washington, D.C. this fall. 
  • Shared tools for members: We’ve developed a budget backgrounder, which members can leverage to echo the sector’s unified message across their own advocacy and communications. 
  • Coordinated communications: We’ll attend the Budget lock-up on November 4 and issue a joint post-budget statement with member input. 
  • Public mobilization: The Bigger Than Our Borders campaign continues to sustain public awareness and engagement. 

What’s Next 

Following Budget Day, we’ll regroup with members to assess the outcome, align messaging and plan the next phase of advocacy leading into the spring economic statement.

Regardless of the fiscal landscape, our message remains consistent: Canada’s leadership in the world — grounded in solidarity, human rights and cooperation — is an investment in our shared security and prosperity.

Read our budget brief and full pre-budget submission.

Darron Seller-Peritz

Senior Policy Officer

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