We are facing increased global instability.
Authoritarian regimes are gaining ground, human rights are increasingly threatened, climate impacts are exacerbating global inequalities, and humanitarian needs have reached a historic high. In this context, the government has chosen to reduce Canada’s international assistance by $2.7 billion over four years, including a decrease in funding for global health development.
Government leaders are navigating an exceptionally challenging period. We recognize the precarious economic situation experienced by people in Canada, and international assistance is one of the levers that strengthen domestic prosperity. Evidence shows that these investments are cost-effective and produce tangible benefits for the security of people in Canada, while expanding our global relationships and economic resilience.
“It is clear that any savings resulting from a reduction in the international assistance budget will be short-lived. Budget cuts undermine Canada’s credibility with its international partners and reduce our ability to influence global decisions that directly affect Canadians,” said Kate Higgins, Executive Director of Cooperation Canada.
“Cooperation Canada and its members will continue to collaborate constructively with the government to reaffirm that Canada’s global leadership is not a given and that it requires honoring our commitments.”
The government’s intention to return Canada’s international assistance envelope to its pre-pandemic level will have far-reaching consequences and jeopardize hard-won gains. At a time when global investments in international assistance are declining, Canada has committed not to turn its back on the most vulnerable. However, this budget further widens the gap left by other major donors, weakening both global partnerships and Canada’s strategic interests.
“Any reduction in Canada’s investments in global health will have devastating consequences for women and children worldwide, while threatening the health, security, and prosperity of people in Canada,” said Charmaine Crockett, Interim Executive Director of CanSFE.
“Decades of Canada’s leadership in global health have always aimed to invest in a safer and more equitable world, because we know that when we turn our backs on the most marginalized, we all suffer.”
About CanSFE
CanSFE is proud to represent over 110 non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, associations of health professionals, and private sector entities committed to advancing the health and rights of women, children, and adolescents worldwide. Together, we represent Canada in advocating for the rights and health needs of the world’s most marginalized people.
About Cooperation Canada
Cooperation Canada is the national voice of Canadian international development and humanitarian action organizations. Representing over 100 organizations, we bring together, coordinate, and advocate for effective, inclusive, and accountable international cooperation that contributes to a more just, safe, and sustainable world.
Signatory Organizations
- Cooperation Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH)
- ACTED Canada
- Action Against Hunger Canada
- Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
- AidWatch Canada
- Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
- Alongside Hope
- Alternatives
- Amref Health Africa in Canada
- Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI)
- Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
- Avocats sans frontières Canada/Lawyers without Borders Canada
- Bigger Than our Borders
- British Columbia Council for International Cooperation
- CAMFED Canada
- Canadian Association of Midwives
- Canadian Foodgrains Bank
- Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR)
- Canadian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Canadian Teachers’ Federation
- CARE Canada
- CAUSE Canada
- CAWST – The Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology
- CECI – Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale
- Children Believe
- Climate Action Network Canada
- Coady Institute
- CODE
- Collaboration Santé Internationale
- Compassion Canada
- Crossroads International
- Cuso International
- Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada
- Développement international Desjardins (DID)
- Digital Opportunity Trust
- Dignity Network Canada
- Equality Fund
- Equitas – International Centre for Human Rights Education
- ERDO
- Fairtrade Canada
- Farm Radio International
- Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie
- Food For the Hungry Canada
- Fòs Feminista Canada
- Global Citizen
- Grandmothers Advocacy Network
- Habitat for Humanity Canada
- Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC)
- Horizons of Friendship
- Human Concern International
- Humanitarian Coalition
- Humanity & Inclusion Canada
- Inter Pares
- International Coordinated Christian Ministries
- International Justice Mission Canada
- International Teams Canada
- Islamic Relief Canada
- Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
- KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
- Kentro Christian Network
- Kinvia (Previously known as Canadian Feed The Children)
- Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions
- Lucky Iron Life
- Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
- Mary’s Meals Canada
- Médecins du Monde Canada
- Mennonite Central Committee Canada
- Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
- Mission inclusion
- Northern Council for Global Cooperation
- ONE Canada
- One Drop Foundation
- Ontario Council for International Cooperation
- Opportunity International Canada
- Oxfam Canada
- Oxfam-Québec
- Partners In Health Canada
- PEGASUS Institute
- Plan International Canada
- Public Health Association of BC
- Results Canada
- Right To Play International
- Santé Monde
- Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation
- Save the Children
- SeedChange (formerly USC)
- Seva Canada
- Socodevi
- Stephen Lewis Foundation
- SUCO
- Tearfund Canada
- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
- The Wellspring Foundation for Education
- The United Church of Canada
- Tostan Canada
- Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada
- UPA Développement international
- VIDEA
- WaterAid Canada
- World Accord – International Development Agency
- World Hope International (Canada)
- World Renew
- World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
- World Vision Canada
Photo: Alexis Aubin