At first glance, Budget 2018 tells a good story for sustainable development. The government will invest $2 billion in new money over the next five years in its Feminist International Assistance Policy and in promoting gender equality. This is the second highest investment after pay equity in the federal budget. It is also the biggest long-term investment since the 8% annual increase initiated by the Liberals in 2003, and maintained by the Conservatives until 2010. We felt that it was important to acknowledge this small victory in our press release in response to the Budget. We especially welcome that the downward trend in the International Assistance Envelope has been halted. But we still have a long way to go.
March 2018