What’s the Latest: Aid sector calls out omission of foreign aid in federal budget
Canada‘s aid sector has expressed dismay over the federal budget announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, which made no mention of foreign aid for the first time in over 15 years. Kate Higgins, head of Co-operation Canada, stated, “The budget is largely silent on issues of international development co-operation and humanitarian action.”
The Canadian government has not specified a timetable for the anticipated foreign policy review that is expected to address international development assistance and humanitarian action. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that the update would be available in a matter of weeks, emphasising that development assistance remains a priority for Global Affairs Canada.
Canada’s aid sector has expressed disappointment at the federal budget’s omission of foreign aid, with Co-operation Canada head Kate Higgins urging the government to clarify its stance during an upcoming foreign policy review. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that this review will occur in “a matter of weeks” and will address the country’s approach to development assistance.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how Canada’s federal budget will specifically affect foreign aid allocations moving forward.
Aid sector criticises lack of foreign aid in federal budget
Canada’s aid sector has expressed significant concern following the federal budget’s omission of any mention of foreign aid, marking the first time in over 15 years that international assistance has been excluded from budget discussions. Kate Higgins, head of Co-operation Canada, stated, “The budget is largely silent on issues of international development co-operation and humanitarian action,” highlighting the precarious global context where aid is often critical.
The budget, presented by Prime Minister Mark Carney, notably lacks references to “international assistance,” “foreign aid,” and “international development.” A review by The Canadian Press shows previous budgets since 2010 included these terms. The latest document references Ukraine only in connection with drone production and briefly mentions aid workers in relation to a permit program for organisations operating in conflict zones.
Higgins remarked on the government’s prior commitment to cut $2.7 billion in foreign aid over four years, suggesting that while no further reductions were introduced, “the stakes around the world are very high.” She urged the government to consider the vital role of development funding in addressing international crises, such as the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand assured that the foreign policy review, expected soon, will incorporate “our approach on development,” emphasising that “development assistance is a priority for Global Affairs Canada.” However, advocates remain sceptical, with Lindsay Sheridan from Results Canada expressing disappointment at the lack of details, stating their search of the budget turned up no relevant terms regarding international assistance.
UNICEF Canada and The One Campaign both echoed these concerns, arguing for the inclusion of international development in discussions of global volatility. The House of Commons finance committee had also urged the government for more transparency regarding aid allocations, with critics pointing to missed opportunities to establish a comprehensive strategy akin to earlier initiatives led by Canada under past administrations.