Ottawa, April 16, 2024 – A coalition of Canadian international cooperation organizations welcomes new funding for humanitarian programs committed as part of Federal Budget 2024. The coalition recognizes that this new investment comes in a complex economic environment for Canada and emphasizes the need for the government to continue to play its part on the global stage.
With today’s announcement of $350 million over two years in additional humanitarian aid, the government is taking an important step toward addressing some of the most pressing global needs. This additional funding to the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) has the potential to go towards addressing some of the world’s most devastating crises, including the war in the Middle East, internal chaos in Haiti, civil unrest in Sudan, and crises in Yemen and the Sahel.
As the international community grapples with unprecedented challenges, the Canadian aid sector remains steadfast in its commitment to alleviating suffering and advancing progress across the globe. The coalition, led by the Bigger Than Our Borders campaign, Cooperation Canada, Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) and other advocacy groups, pledges to continue advocating for a robust commitment to international assistance as Canada is slated to host the Group of Seven (G7) countries next year. We encourage the government to use the upcoming G7 Presidency to further demonstrate its leadership by engaging other nations towards reversing the global decline in official development assistance.
“This budget is addressing one of the most urgent situations right now globally: the desperate situation for millions of people suffering from humanitarian crises and conflicts. From Gaza to Sudan, Haiti to Yemen, humanitarian needs are surging and decades of progress on development are perilously under threat. We welcome this investment in humanitarian aid, and look forward to further critical investments in long-term development international assistance”, said Kate Higgins, Cooperation Canada’s CEO, representing over 100 Canadian international development and humanitarian organizations. “Aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, this investment will support life-saving programs in communities in crisis, while also supporting global security and prosperity for Canada.”
The international cooperation sector also welcomes that Budget 2024 makes new commitments to enhance Canadian engagement with international financial institutions to make them more responsive to emerging global threats. The budget also points to future initiatives that will seek to catalyze private and philanthropic sources of funding in support of international assistance.
“Canadians expect their government to invest in the long-term safety and security of the country. In a world order distorted by conflict and crisis, Canada is being called on to find global pathways to peace. We celebrate today’s investment in humanitarian aid that will reach and support women and children in their most vulnerable moments through high impact interventions that save lives and help children reach their full potential,” said Julia Anderson, CEO of the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health.
Original statement posted on Cooperation Canada website.
