Who cares about foreign aid: Stories about development from the pages of Canadian Affairs

As Global Affairs ponders the future of international assistance during a time of shrinking budgets, Nicolas Moyer, CEO of Cuso International, and a self-described “old friend,” has some thoughts about how it can do better.   This includes being quicker to make decisions, streamlining administrative processes, finding a clear sense of direction and showing Canadians what their tax dollars are doing (sharing stories of success).   “I must also be candid,” he said. “Too often, the extraordinary work you do is held back by slow decision-making, costly administrative processes and a lack of clear direction. “When approvals drag on for months, when programs are spread too thinly across the globe, or when projects end before results can take root, Canada’s impact is less than it should be. “And when you don’t show Canadians clearly what their tax dollars are achieving, public confidence falters.” Read his letter in Canadian Affairs.

Canadian relief and development organizations are expressing concern and disappointment with the federal government’s decision to cut the country’s foreign aid budget, saying the cuts couldn’t have come at a worse time when global instability is increasing, human rights are increasingly under threat and humanitarian needs are at an all-time high.   They note the cuts to “soft power”—aid—are coming at a time when Canada is pouring more money into defence—“hard power.” This despite evidence that it costs less to prevent conflict than to respond to needs caused by it after it happens.   They also note that aid and development should not be seen as charity, but as something that can support Canada’s overall trade and investment strategy. Read more about this in Canadian Affairs. Photo above:  Secretary of State Radeep Sarai (centre) walks with recipients of Canadian foreign aid in Ghana.