Canadian relief and development organizations express concern about aid cuts, see opportunity in government's trade agenda










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.

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