Minister of International Development appearance before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on supplementary estimates (C) 2023-24 and main estimates 2024-25
May 6, 2024
Published: September 3, 2024
Table of Contents
- Overview
- General Hot Issues
- Budget 2024
- Humanitarian Assistance in General
- Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative
- GAC’s Overall Transformation
- Refocusing Government Spending
- ODA Spending and Development Budget Increase
- OAG report (International Assistance in Support of Gender Equality) *including most up to date info on progress made
- Holding the Iranian Regime Accountable - calls to list IRGC as a terrorist entity (Public Safety)
- Progress on Sustainable Development Goals
- Funding for Canadian based organizations (incl. Support to SMOs)
- Bill C-41
- Indo-Pacific Strategy
- Canada’s aid efforts on Food Security
- Climate Finance
- Peacekeeping Efforts
- Middle East & Gulf
- Africa
- Asia
- Central America & Caribbean
- Europe
- Supplementary Notes
Meeting Scenario
- Minister, you are appearing as part of the Committee’s consideration of the Subject Matter of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2023-24 and the Main Estimates 2024-25.
- Your appearance will last for 1 hour from 3:30 to 4:30PM.
- Although the focus of the appearance is on the 2023-2024 Main Estimates, committee members may ask questions that are only loosely connected to the Main Estimates; briefing material has been prepared with this in mind.
- Christopher MacLennan, Deputy Minister of International Development will accompany you in-person during your appearance and may be called upon to respond to questions.
- The following officials are also accompanying you in-person during the appearance and may be called upon to respond to questions. They will remain for the second hour from 4:30 to 5:30PM:
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- Shirley Carruthers, Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Planning, Finance and Information Technology (Chief Financial Officer)
- Alexandre Lévêque, Assistant Deputy Minister, Europe, Arctic, Middle East & Maghreb
- Peter MacDougall, Assistant Deputy Minister, Global Issues and Development
- Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister, Sub-Saharan Africa Branch
Committee Context
- After your opening remarks of 5 minutes the committee will move to rounds of questions.
First Round
- Conservative (6 minutes)
- Liberal (6 minutes)
- Bloc Québécois (6 minutes)
- NDP (6 minutes)
Second Round
- Conservative (5 minutes)
- Liberal (5 minutes)
- Bloc Québécois (two and a half (2.5) minutes)
- NDP (two and a half (2.5) minutes)
- Any additional rounds of questioning would follow the order and timing of the second round.
Committee Membership & Interests
For further information on committee membership, please see the member bios included in this briefing binder.
Most recently in 2023-2024, the committee has been concerned with the following topics of study:
- Canada’s Approach to Africa
- The Situation in Haiti
- Security at the Borders Between Azerbaijan and Armenia
- Canada’s Diplomatic Capacity
- The Situation at the Russia-Ukraine Border and Implications for Peace and Security
- The Situation in Israel and Gaza
Recent questions by Committee members have focused on the following issues:
CPC: Khalistani terrorist-financing activities, the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada’s military support to Ukraine, and the benefits of a negotiated peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
LPC: Russia-Ukraine, Russia’s militarization of the Arctic and Baltic nations, COVAX, Haiti, Turkey, human rights, France and Islamic terrorism, freedom of expression, Canada-China relations, the situation in Xinjiang, human rights (Uighurs), the Rohingya, Venezuela, consular cases, the rules-based international order, UN, NATO, OSCE civil and human rights, Sri Lanka, Eastern Europe, COVID-19, travel restrictions, status of women, Africa, freedom of conscience and religion, and China.
BQ: Military aid to Armenia and the displacement of Armenians, the Indo-Pacific Strategy, and aid to Ethiopia.
NDP: Advocacy for the people of Rafah and Gaza, the reinstatement of funding to UNRWA, concerns surrounding arms exports to Israel, Canada’s investments in development and human rights, Canada’s success/failure in defense, the Africa Strategy, diplomacy and development in sub-Saharan Africa, the humanitarian crisis in Armenia, the impacts of the war in Ukraine on food security, and Canada’s official development assistance.
Mine Main Estimates Appearance, May 6, 2024
Opening Remarks (5 minutes – 860 words)
Thank you, members of the committee.
I am pleased to be here to discuss Canada’s role in providing international assistance to advance sustainable development keeping in mind the current global context; the results Canada has achieved over the past year; and the challenges that lie ahead.
First, the global context.
It is no secret that the global development landscape is changing rapidly.
Geopolitical competition is affecting how Canada delivers international assistance.
We operate in a context of weakened democracies and growing authoritarianism, resulting in shrinking civic spaces and increasing political polarization.
In particular, we are deeply concerned about the global backlash against gender equality and human rights. This rollback of hard-won rights, including LGBTQI+ rights and sexual and reproductive rights, is simply unacceptable.
In this context, Canada is steadfast in its commitment to protecting and advancing gender equality. We continue to advocate for and implement a feminist approach to international assistance, in pursuit of a more prosperous, safe and equitable world for all.
Within this feminist approach, Canada’s international assistance has been achieving results.
In 2023, Canada’s official development assistance (ODA) increased by approximately 7% to $10.9 billion – resulting in Canada’s highest ODA/GNI level (0.38%) since 1995.
With these investments, for example, Canada is delivering on its global climate change commitments.
We continue to work with partners to promote clean energy, phase out coal, invest in climate-smart agriculture, support adaptation initiatives for the most vulnerable countries, and protect biodiversity.
In particular, through Canada’s support to the Global Environment Facility, we are helping more than 8 million people adapt to climate change and protect 100 million hectares of marine biodiversity.
I am also proud to say that Canada is among the top donors supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including support for women’s rights organizations and ending gender-based violence.
The Women’s Voice and Leadership Program is one example of Canada’s leadership in this area.
Through this program, Canada has supported over 1,100 women’s rights organizations, feminist movements and LBTQI+ organizations in more than 30 developing countries.
These organizations have effectively advanced gender equality in their communities, through advocacy for gender-transformative policies, laws and frameworks.
Canada is delivering on its 10-Year, $1.4 billion annual Commitment to advance the health and rights of women and girls around the world. By partnering with Canadian, global and local health organizations, our investments are making a difference in the lives of women and girls, and are addressing critical gaps in health services around the world.
For instance, Canada’s contribution of $930 million over three years for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria helped save over 44 million lives. In 2020, the Global Fund provided access to antiretroviral therapy to 21.0 million people living with HIV, treated 4.7 million people with TB, and distributed 188 million mosquito nets.
In 2021-22, our work with Nutrition International – a global organization based in Ottawa – enabled teachers to deliver weekly iron and folic acid supplements to over 2 million adolescent girls, averting thousands of cases of anemia and enabling girls to stay in school. Yet, despite this progress, the past year has been very challenging, so I would like to take a moment to acknowledge this.
Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals continues to be affected by recent conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war, the crisis in Haiti, and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
The human cost of conflict is growing rapidly.
According to recent UN estimates, over 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2024.
Canada provided $1.3 billion in humanitarian assistance in FY2022-23 to respond to the life-saving needs of those affected by conflict and natural disasters around the world.
Of that amount, Canada provided $13.7 million to Haiti in 2023, for life-saving assistance such as food, water, health and protection. Additional support is being considered as the crisis unfolds.
Canada has also announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance funding to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighbouring countries, including a matching fund of $13.8 million.
Recognizing that the needs continue to grow, Budget 2024 announced an additional $350 million over two years to respond to humanitarian crises around the world.
Finally, let us turn to the challenges that lie ahead.
The trust developing countries have in the global development architecture is waning. This is the result, in part, of reduced access to development finance for countries that need it the most.
That said, official development assistance alone is not enough to meet the growing needs of developing countries. We are working with other countries, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to mobilize all sources of development finance to support progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Through the Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ is finding new ways of working that are faster, more transparent, and more flexible.
These are some examples of how Canada and other donor countries are being asked to adapt, in a quickly changing global environment.
These are both challenging and exciting times. We need to continue to improve how we work, to learn from others, and to play a leadership role in shaping the international development landscape of the future.
Thank you.
Biographies of FAAE Members
Ali Ehassi (Chair)
LPC – Willowdale (ON)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: He is a graduate of the University of Toronto (B.A.), attended the London School of Economics (M.SC.) and received degrees from Osgoode Hall Law School (LL. B) and a masters of international trade and arbitration law from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. (LL.M).
- Law: Worked as a lawyer in the private
- Public Servant: Was a civil servant at the provincial and federal level
Political and parliamentary roles
- Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (Innovation and Industry) (2019 – 2021)
- Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-China Legislative Association (2020 – 2021)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – 2020); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2017 – 2019)
Committee membership
- Chair: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Liaison Committee (2022 – Present); Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2017 – 2019); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2016 – 2017)
Points of interest to GAC
Ukraine
- MP Ehas is very vocal on the topic of Ukraine. He has spoken on multiple occasions in the House on the atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine. He is supportive of the measures taken by Canada to help Ukrainian civilians.
- In February 2024, MP Ehsassi introduced a petition calling upon the government to provide Ukrainian nationals displaced to Canada in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with a streamlined pathway to permanent residency.
Israel, Gaza and the West Bank
- MP Ehsassi has shared concerns surrounding the dismantling of Hamas and ensuring that Israel does so in respect of the rules of humanitarian law, minimizing casualties and providing room for assistance to be shepherded into Gaza
Gender Apartheid
- MP Ehsassi has been vocal regarding regimes in Afghanistan and Iran that seek to oppress women and girls and segregate them from society; treating them as second-class citizens. He introduced two petitions in April 2024 that demand that international institutions recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity.
Afghanistan
- In May 2023, MP Ehsassi introduced a petition to support an investigation by the Human Rights Council of the UN into the serial atrocities that are going on against the Hazaras in Afghanistan.
Michael D. Chong (Vice-Chair)
CPC – Wellington – Halton Hills (ON)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2004
- Re-elected: 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy
- Advisor: Senior advisor at Greater Toronto Airports Authority (2001 – 2004); Analyst at BZW (Barclays de Zoete Wedd) (1994 – 1997); Assistant to the President at the Canadian Tire Financial Services (1992 – 1994)
- IT: Head of IT at Mackie Research Capital (1997 – 1999)
- History: Member Board Of Directors at Historica Canada (1997 – Present)
Political and parliamentary roles
- Shadow Minister: Foreign Affairs (2020 – Present)
- Former Shadow Minister: Infrastructure, Communities and Urban Affairs (2017 – 2018); Science (Industry) (2018 – 2019); Democratic Institutions (2019 – 2020)
- Former Assistant Critic: Environment (2015 – 2016)
Committee membership
- Vice-Chair: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
- Former Chair: Standing Committee on Official Languages (2011 – 2015); Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2010 – 2011); Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2009)
- Former Vice-Chair Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – 2021); Special Committee on Afghanistan (2021 – 2022)
Points of interest to GAC
Ukraine:
- During meetings at FAAE between December 2023 and March 2024, MP Chong asked about Canada’s military support to Ukraine. On several occasions during these meetings, he has shown concern about the abduction of Ukrainian children and the civilian casualties in Ukraine.
- In March 2024 he voiced support for the Canada-Ukraine strategic security partnership agreement.
- During a House statement in July 2022, MP Chong called on the government to implement strong measures to counter Russian aggression and to strengthen the security of Canada and its allies. He stressed that Canada must continue to advocate for policies that strengthen its relationship with allies like Germany, so they are less reliant on Russian natural gas.
Armenia and Azerbaijan:
- During a meeting at FAAE in October 2023, MP Chong was interested in the benefits of a negotiated peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Nuclear Weapons:
- During QP in May 2023, MP Chong stated that the government should take the opportunity at the G7 to urge its closest ally, the United States, to resume the strategic stability dialogue on nuclear weapons with Russia.
NATO:
- During QP in April 2023, MP Chong expressed concern about the information leaked to the American media about the Prime Minister's statement to NATO officials that Canada will never meet the military alliance's defence-spending target.
Peru:
- At a FAAE briefing on the Current Situation in Peru in February 2023, MP Chong expressed concern about Peru's institutional challenges and asked what Canada can do to assist the government of Peru to stabilize its democratic institutions and help to restore Peruvians' faith in their democracy.
China: Human Rights, Foreign Interference
- From December 2022 to June 2023, MP Chong was one of the most active Conservative MPs during Question Period (QP) on Chinese interference and asked multiple times for the government to establish a public inquiry, and called on the government to declare the Chinese diplomat implicated in the attempted intimidation persona non grata. He was also extremely vocal during the Procedure and House Affairs Committee study on the Intimidation campaign made by China against him.
- During QP in February 2023, MP Chong explained the danger related to the Chinese spy balloon and the research interchange with Canadian universities, urging the government to ban research funding that may be used by China's military.
- During QP in October 2022, MP Chong repeatedly criticized the government for its inaction regarding alleged Chinese police stations in Canada.
- At the May 5, 2022, FAAE session on Tibet, MP Chong pointed to the sanctions imposed on Chinese officials for their human rights abuses/violations against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang, questioned their effectiveness, and asked whether sanctions should be imposed for similar abuses in Tibet.
Iran: Flight PS752
- During QP in October 2022, MP Chong repeatedly pressed the government to increase sanctions on Iran and to register the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
Stéphane Bergeron (Vice-Chair)
BQ – Montarville, (QC)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 1993
- Re-elected: 1997, 2000, 2004, 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Politics and International relations and a Master's degree in Politics and International relations.
- Provincial Politics: Member of Quebec's National Assembly for the "Parti Québécois" (2005 – 2018)
- Military: Served in the Canadian Forces as a naval cadet instructor cadre officer (1984 – 1993)
Political and parliamentary roles
- Critic: Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Foreign Affairs) (1996 – 1998/2003 – 2004/2019 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Member: National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians(2021 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-China Legislative Association(2021 – Present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie(2019 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas(2019 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly(2019 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2019 – Present)
- Former Critic: Finance (International Financial Institutions) (1993 – 1996); Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Foreign Affairs) (1996 – 1998); Government House Leader (Parliamentary Affairs) (1997 – 2001); Industry (Science, Research and Development) (2001 – 2002); Privy Council Office (Intergovernmental Affairs) (2004 – 2005/2019 – 2021); National Revenue (Single Tax Return) (2019 – 2021)
Committee membership
- Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (2020 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (2020 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2021 – Present)
Points of interest to GAC
Africa:
- MP Bergeron has shown an interest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), asking questions focused on potential ramifications of the progressive return of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
Global Food Crisis:
- At a FAAE meeting on the Main Estimates in May 2023, MP Bergeron expressed concern that Canada is reducing its food aid budget despite the global food crisis and suggested to increase Canada’s development assistance budget again, rather than redirecting towards Ukraine part of the funding that would normally be given to countries from the southern hemisphere that are impacted by the food and nutrition crisis.
China:
- MP Bergeron has frequently raised concerns regarding the possible invasion of Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China, which he describes as “inevitable”.
- MP Bergeron is also very critical of Huawei's implementation of 5G in Canada, which he sees as a potential tool used by China for espionage.
Ukraine:
- During a take-note debate on March 20, 2024, on the topic of Canada-Ukraine Relations, MP Bergeron acknowledged that Canada was quick to deliver humanitarian aid at the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but criticized Canada’s method of intervention to avoid provoking Russia.
Human Rights: Saudi Arabia, Child Labour
- During Question Period, MP Bergeron asked “What will it take for the government to take action and finally get Raif Badawi released?” He followed this question by stating: “it is scandalous that Raif Badawi is languishing in prison after seven years without having committed any crime. If the government can sit down with Saudi Arabia at the G20, if it can sit down with Saudi Arabia to do business and sell the country weapons, then it can certainly sit down with Saudi Arabia to demand the release of Raif Badawi.”
- During a House debate on Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and to amend the Customs Tariff in March 2023, MP Bergeron mentioned that the bill does not go far enough, and that it does nothing to ensure that the necessary checks will be performed to prevent the importation into Canada of goods made with forced labour, slavery or child labour.
Peacekeeping:
- At a FAAE meeting on the Main Estimates in May 2023, MP Bergeron mentioned that in November 2017 the Prime Minister pledged that Canada would provide a rapid response force of 200 troops, asking MINA if Canada still intended to fulfill its promise.
Reproductive Health Globally:
- During a FAAE meeting on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women Globally in February 2023, MP Bergeron mentioned that 45% of abortions performed worldwide are unsafe and asked in what ways Canada is trying to improve the situation for women who undergo these potentially life-threatening practices.
Lachin Corridor:
- At a FAAE meeting on the reopening of the Lachin Corridor in February 2023, MP Bergeron introduced a motion calling on the Azerbaijani authorities to reopen the Lachin Corridor and guarantee freedom of movement in order to avoid any deterioration in the humanitarian situation.
Ziad Aboultaif
CPC – Edmonton Manning (AB)
Election to the house of commons
First elected: 2015
Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional background
- Studies: International Business Administration
- Business owner: He was co-owner and co-managed Axxess Furniture Inc., an Edmonton-based furniture distribution business, for 12 years.
Political and parliamentary roles
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (2018 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2018 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2017 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2017 – Present)
Committee membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2017 – Present);
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Health (2023); Subcommittee on International Human Rights (2022 – 2023); Standing Committee on International Trade (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2020); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
Points of interest to GAC
Canadian Diplomacy
- During a committee meeting on February 12, 2024, MP Aboultaif discussed the decline of direct foreign investment in Canada and the role that diplomacy has on international investments.
Omar Alghabra
LPC – Mississauga Centre (ON)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2006
- Re-elected: 2015, 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Engineering and Mechanical and a Master's degree in Business Administration
- Business: President at Northern Compass Co. Ltd (2009 – 2015)
- Energy & Industry: Senior Strategic Consultant at the Ontario Energy Board (2013 - 2014); VP Corporate Development ENBALA Power Networks (2010 – 2012); Business Leader General Electric (1999 – 2006)
Political and parliamentary roles
- Former Minister: Transport (2021 – 2023)
- Former Cabinet Committee Member: Economy, Inclusion and Climate (2021 – 2023); Canada and the World (2021 – 2023); Safety, Security and Emergencies (2021 – 2023)
- Former Parliamentary Secretary: Prime Minister (Public Service Renewal) (2019 – 2021); Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (2019 – 2021); Minister of International Trade Diversification (2018 – 2019); Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs) (2015 – 2018)
- Former Critic: Natural Resources (2007 – 2008); Citizenship and Immigration (2007)
Committee membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2023 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Natural Resources (2007 – 2008); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2007); Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (2006 – 2007)
Points of interest to GAC
Ukraine:
- During a committee meeting on November 6, 2023, MP Alghabra was concerned with food insecurity due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, where his questions focused on public policies, ways the federal government can contribute to alleviating challenges and the impact of climate change on food insecurity.
Middle East: Israel, Gaza
- During an October 23, 2023, committee meeting, MP Alghabra was concerned by the magnitude of the civilian damage that had taken place in Gaza. He showed a general interest in the rules of war and international law.
Iran: Flight PS752
- During an October 2022 Question Period, MP Alghabra emphasized pursuing justice for flight PS752 victims through all legal and international channels and championing ICAO reforms to prevent future tragedies and honor the victims' memories.
Consular Affairs:
- As Parliamentary Secretary from 2015 to 2018, MP Alghabra oversaw numerous consular cases, including Raif Badawi's, giving him a thorough understanding of consular issues.
Human Rights: Myanmar
- During a debate on human rights in Myanmar in September 2017, MP Alghabra condemned the treatment of the Rohingya, asserting that Canada will consistently work to alleviate their suffering and pressure the Myanmar government.
Sophie Chatel
LPC – Pontiac (QC)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor of Laws (LL.) from the Université de Montréal; Master of Taxation (M. Fisc.) from the Université de Sherbrooke.
- Finance: Head of the Tax Treaty Unit in the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration at the OECD (2017 – 2021); Director, International Tax and Transfer Pricing at Canada Revenue Agency (2015 – 2017); Associate Chief, Tax Treaties and International Tax at Canada Revenue Agency (2008 – 2015); Senior Advisor, Tax Treaties & International Tax Section at Canada Revenue Agency (2005 – 2008); Senior rulings officer, International Section at Canada Revenue Agency (2002 – 2005); Senior Tax Advisor at Boivin O’Neil (1999 – 2002); Tax Advisor at Verrier.
Political and parliamentary roles
Committee membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2023 – Present); Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2023 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Finance (2021 – 2023)
Points of interest to GAC
Haiti:
- During a committee meeting on March 20, 2024, MP Chatel noted the large Haitian community in her riding, as such her discussions focused on expediting visa processes or granting temporary visas.
Middle East: Gaza
- During a committee meeting on March 18, 2024, her discussions focused on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza by truck per (is this correct? ``per``? UN recommendation and her questions focused on whether, “opening a maritime corridor would overshadow the urgent need to push for the aid to be delivered by land.”
Canada’s Sanctions Regime:
- In a September 2023 FAAE meeting, MP Chatel emphasized the necessity for clearer sanctions guidance and advocated for innovative, collaborative strategies with allies. She also suggested collaboration with financial experts and professionals, ensuring efficiency without major government expansion, upholding fiscal responsibility.
NATO: Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence
- In a May 2023 FINA meeting, MP Chatel supported establishing the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre in Montreal, citing past floods to underscore the growing importance of climate security.
Global Economy: Net-Zero Portfolios for Financial Institutions
- In a March 2023 FINA meeting, MP Chatel highlighted the global trend of financial institutions moving towards net-zero portfolios, emphasizing the importance for Canada to prepare and adapt to this change to remain competitive.
Dave Epp
CPC – Chatham-Kent-Leamington (ON)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2019
- Re-elected: 2021
Professional Background
- Business: He learned the business from the ground up, moving from warehouse to office - eventually opening a business of his own.[2] He was co-owner and co-managed Axxess Furniture Inc., an Edmonton-based furniture distribution business, for 12 years
- Recognition: His work on community boards earned him both an Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), and a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
Political and parliamentary roles
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2021-present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2022-present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2021-Present); Canada- Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2022-present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2022-present); Canada- Italy Interparliamentary Group (2022-present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022-present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblee parlementaire de la Francophonie (2022-present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2022-present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2021-present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2022-present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2021- present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2021-present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2021-2022).
Committee membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022-present, 2020,)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2020-2022); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
Points of interest to GAC
Africa: Civil Organizations
- During a committee meeting on April 10, 2024, MP Epp discussed putting more of Canada’s development dollars and programming into Canadian-based CSOs and NGOs to meet the need for development aid in Africa. He stated that the use of Canadian-based civil organizations would minimize the risk of corruption.
Gaza
- During a committee meeting on March 18, 2024, MP Epp was critical of Canada’s foreign policy and its effectiveness to address the situation in Gaza after Canada abstained from voting on a resolution at the United Nations that called for a humanitarian truce.
Ukraine: Fertilizer Tariffs, Resources Access Challenges
- During a committee meeting in May 2023, MP Epp introduced a motion asking FAAE to study and report to the House on how Canada can support its allies who are affected by resource access challenges stemming from the invasion and steps that the Government of Canada should take to respond to these challenges.
- In June 2022, MP Epp focused on the commercial exchanges between Canada and Ukraine, especially on the modernization of the commercial agreement between Ukraine and Canada.
Global Food Insecurity:
- In June 2022, MP Epp showed great interest in Canadian grain, energy, expertise in food production given the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He has also been strongly engaged at AGRI regarding fertilizer tariffs.
Sanction Regime: SEMA
- At a FAAE meeting on Bill S-8, in May 2023, MP Epp expressed concern that the government has not implemented the SEMA-related recommendations from the 2017 FAAE report on Canada’s sanctions regime.
Russia: Wagner Group
- During a committee meeting on the situation at the Russia-Ukraine Border in April 2023, MP Epp urged the government to declare the Wagner Group a terrorist organization.
Hedy Fry
LPC – Vancouver Centre (BC)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 1993
- Re-elected: 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: PhD in Medicine
- Medicine: Family Physician (1970 – 1993); President of the BC Medical Association (1990 – 1991)
- Media: Doctor columnist at CBC Television (1985 – 1988)
Political and parliamentary roles
- Parliamentary Association Director: Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2017 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2005 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2004 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2005 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2011 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter- Parliamentary Association (2009 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2004 – Present); Canadian Delegation Organization for Security/Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2009 – Present)
- Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (2004 – 2006); Human Resources and Skills Development with special emphasis on the Internationally Trained Workers Initiative (2004 – 2006); Citizenship and Immigration with special emphasis on Foreign Credentials (2003 – 2004); Multiculturalism & Status of Women (1996 – 2002); National Health and Welfare (Health) (1993 – 1996)
- Former Critic: Canadian Heritage (2006 – 2009); Health (2011 – 2015)
Committee membership
- Chair: Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2016 – 2018/2021 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (2021 – Present); Liaison Committee (2021 – Present)
- Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Health (2011 – 2015)
Points of interest to GAC
Armenia and Azerbaijan:
- During a committee meeting on February 28, 2024, MP Fry expressed interest in Georgia playing a role in finding a solution in the south Caucasus..
Ukraine:
- MP Fry’s comments regarding Ukraine often focus on the protection of democracy, given her role in the Canadian Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
- At a FAAE meeting on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women Globally in February 2023, MP Fry expressed concern about the fact that many Ukrainian women were raped by Russian soldiers and that many of them are going to neighbouring countries as refugees, where they do not have access to abortion services.
China:
- On May 12, 2022, MP Fry tweeted “China surrounds Taiwan with war ships and war planes - Says its ‘just drills’ where have we heard that before?”, regarding the PLA Air Force violation of Taiwan’s ADIZ.
Sanction:
- During a FAAE meeting on Bill S-8, MP Fry mentioned that the Committee needs to look at the balance between security, human rights and individual rights when working on the Magnitsky sanctions.
Randy Hoback
CPC – Prince Albert (SK)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2008
- Re-elected: 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Certificate in Business Administration
- Business Background: District Sales Manager Southern Alberta at Flexicoil (1990 – 1993); International Marketing Manager Western Europe at CNH Industrial (1996 – 1999); President Hoback Enterprises inc. (1985 – 2005); Chairman at the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association (2003 – 2005)
- Government: Parliamentary Secretary assistant (Agriculture) to David Anderson under Minister Chuck Strahl
Political and parliamentary roles
- Critic: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (2019 – Present); Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Canada-U.S. Relations) (2016 – 2017)
- Member: Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2011 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2009 – Present); Canada-China Legislative Association (2008 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2008 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2009 – 2013/2022 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2009 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2009 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2008 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2008 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2008 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2008 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2009 – Present)
Committee membership
- Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on International Trade (2015 – 2019/2021 – 2022)
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present); Standing Committee on International Trade (2011 – 2022); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2011 – Present)
- Former Chair: Standing Committee on International Trade (2013 – 2015)
Points of interest to GAC
Haiti:
- During a committee meeting on March 20, 2024, MP Hoback discussed Canada’s capacity to provide military resources and other forms of assistance.
Defence Relations:
- During a FAAE meeting on Main Estimates in May 2023, MP Hoback criticized that the Prime Minister was quoted in the media as saying that Canada would never ever meet its 2% commitment in regard to our spending for military aid and raised concerns that such comments have an impact on Canada’s ability to be involved in groups like AUKUS and the Quad.
Ukraine:
- Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, MP Hoback has repeatedly spoken out at Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) meetings in support of Canada's supply of arms and equipment to Ukraine.
Canadian Natural Gas:
- MP Hoback promotes the development of Canadian natural gas to replace Europe's dependence on Russian gas.
Agricultural Sector:
- At previous CIIT meetings, MP Hoback expressed a desire to protect the interests of the agricultural sector in Canada.
Heather McPherson
NDP – Riding (PR)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2019
- Re-elected: 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and teaching (English Major) and a Master's degree in Theoretical, Culture and International Studies in Education.
- Cooperation: Volunteer Team Leader Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (2001 – 2003); Program Officer at the Canada World Youth (2003 – 2007); Executive Director Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (2008 – 2019)
Political and parliamentary roles
- Critic: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (2019 – Present)
- Deputy Whip of the N.D.P. (2021 – Present)
- Deputy Critic: Canadian Heritage (2021 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2019 – 2021); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2019 – 2021); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2019 – 2021)
- Former N.D.P. Deputy House Leader (2019 – 2021)
Committee membership
- Vice-Chair: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2020 – 2021)
Points of interest to GAC
Russia/Ukraine:
- During a meeting at FAAE in March 2024, MP McPherson inquired about the timelines for the delivery of aid to Ukraine, such as air defence systems and the effects of any delays.
- She is often interested about the impacts of the war in Ukraine on food security.
- During a May 3, 2022, Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR) meeting, MP McPherson was very critical of the Russian government and their alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
Africa: Sudan
- During a meeting in February 2024, MP McPherson was interested in measures that could have prevented the situation in Sudan, and the youth peace and security agenda, precisely on the junction between peacekeeping efforts and the youth.
- At a FAAE meeting in May 2023, MP McPherson mentioned that she was seized with the violence that is happening in Sudan and that she is worried about a proxy war and that the conflict spill beyond its borders.
India:
- At a committee meeting on February 5, 2024, she expressed concern surrounding military exports to India given the criticisms that the Modi regime received for cracking down on political opponents, minority groups and women.
Armenia:
- During a committee meeting on December 4th, 2023, MP McPherson was interested in Canada’s financial contributions to address the humanitarian crisis in Armenia.
Middle East: Israel, Palestine, Gaza
- On February 13, 2024, MP McPherson introduced a Private member’s motion asking the government to officially recognize the State of Palestine.
- On December 6th, 2023, the FAAE committee studied the situation in Israel and Gaza and the Supplementary Estimates (B). MP McPherson asked questions on arms exports to Israel and whether the government agrees that moving Gazans to other countries in the Middle East or elsewhere would amount to ethnic cleansing. She also asked about Canada’s financial responsibility to aid in the reconstruction of Gaza.
- During a FAAE meeting in May 2023, MP McPherson introduced a motion asking that in light of recent events in Israel and Palestine, the committee conduct a study on the actions Canada should take to foster peace and respect for human rights and international law in the region.
Food Security:
- In November 2023, MP McPherson was critical of the level of Canada’s ODA spending. She asked how Canada could do better in providing aid for food and how Canada could manage the balance better between humanitarian and long-term development support.
Human Rights:
- In a June 2023 speech on Bill C-281, International Human Rights Act, MP McPherson expressed her support for the bill and criticized the decision of the government to vote against her amendment to include a national human rights strategy that would create a benchmark to measure how well the government of the day is doing in protecting human rights.
- During the same speech, she expressed her support to offer Vladimir Kara-Murza honorary citizenship in Canada to help protect him.
- At a FAAE meeting in May 2023, MP McPherson stated that Bill C-41, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts is used to weaponize international development instead of preventing terrorism from being funded.
Arms to Saudi Arabia:
- During discussion around human rights in the House and at committees, MP McPherson has regularly criticized the decision of the government to sell arms to Saudi Arabia despite its poor human rights record.
Disarmament/Cluster Munitions:
- During a FAAE meeting on Bill C-281 in March 2023, MP McPherson proposed that Canada show more leadership on disarmament and to encourage other NATO members to increase their ability to limit the use of cluster munitions.
Iran:
- At a FAAE meeting in February 2023, MP McPherson introduced a motion asking the committee to study the current situation in Iran in term of human rights.
Peru:
- During a FAAE briefing on the situation in Peru in February 2023, MP McPherson asked GAC to provide information on how Canada concluded an Arms Trade Treaty with Peru and if the treaty is being evaluated considering the deteriorating human rights conditions in Peru at the moment.
NATO: Nuclear Disarmament
- On September 18, 2023, MP McPherson introduced a Private member’s motion asking the government to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and advocate within NATO for an increased need for nuclear disarmament
Robert Oliphant
LPC – Don Valley West (ON)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2008
- Re-elected: 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Trade, Master's degree in Theology and a PhD Theological
- Religion: Minister at the Quyon United Church (1984 – 1986); Associate Minister at the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church (1984 – 1986); Interim Senior Minister at the Bloor Street United Church (1991 – 1993); Minister at the Whitehorse United Church (1991 – 1993); Minister at the Eglinton St. George's United Church (1999 – 2008)
- Management: President and CEO at the Asthma Society of Canada (2011 – 2015)
Political and parliamentary roles
- Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Foreign Affairs (2019 – 2021)
- Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – Present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canada- France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2020 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canada-United States Inter- Parliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2015 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2015 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2016 – Present)
- Former Critic: Citizenship and Immigration (Multiculturalism) (2010 – 2011); Veterans Affairs (2009 – 2010)
Committee membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2019 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
- Former Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2017 – 2019); Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2016 – 2017)
- Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2009 – 2010)
Points of interest to GAC
Ukraine:
- On numerous occasions, notably during a take-note debate on the topic of Canada-Ukraine Relations on March 20, 2024, and during a committee meeting at FAAE in May 2022, PS Oliphant has strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it ”barbaric” and stated that Canada will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
Gaza:
- During Oral Questions on February 13, 2024, PS Oliphant stated that the situation in Gaza is a tragedy, and that the violence must cease, that sustainable peace must be secured, and hostages returned. He also emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
LGBTQ Rights:
- During a FAAE meeting on Sexual and Reproductive Health in March 2023, MP Oliphant recognized the right of lesbian and gay people as a human right.
China:
- At FAAE on May 5, 2022, PS Oliphant voted in favour of MP Chong’s motion regarding the Sino-Tibetan dialogue, that Canada should support the facilitation of negotiations between the People’s Republic of China and the Central Tibetan Administration, while adding an amendment to “[enable] Tibet to exercise genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese”.
Sanctions Regime:
- At a FAAE meeting on Bill S-8 An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
- in May 2023, MP Oliphant recognized the efforts of GAC officials in implementing Canada's sanction regime and stated that the sanctions regime in Canada is one of the most profound in the world.
- During another FAAE meeting on Bill S-8 in May 2023, MP Oliphant mentioned the importance that Canada apply its sanctions in concert with other countries, in order to be more effective.
LGBTQ Rights:
- During a FAAE meeting on Sexual and Reproductive Health in March 2023, MP Oliphant recognized the right of lesbian and gay people as a human right.
Sameer Zuberi
LPC – Pierrefonds – Dollard (QC)
Election to the house of commons
- First elected: 2019
- Re-elected: 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics and a Bachelor's degree in Law
- Law: Legal Researcher at Law Office Montreal (2010 – 2012)
- Administration: Diversity & Engagement Officer at the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University (2016 – 2019)
- Military: Reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves (1997 – 2002)
Political and parliamentary roles
- Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities (September 2023 – Present)
Committee membership
- Chair: Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present)
- Vice-Chair: Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2022 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present); Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2020 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2021 – 2022); Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2021); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2020 – 2021); Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2020 – 2021)
Points of interest to GAC
Global Food Security:
- During a FAAE meeting on the Main Estimates in May 2023, MP Zuberi mentioned that as a G7 nation, Canada has an important obligation to give it back to the world and asked MINE what Canada is doing to help shore up food security on the global stage.
Ukraine:
- On March 24, 2022, at a FAAE meeting, MP Zuberi asked whether Canada is working with its allies to create an off-ramp for Vladimir Putin that allows him to save face to end the conflict.
China: Uyghurs
- MP Zuberi has repeatedly condemned China's actions against the Uyghur minority at FAAE meetings and supported the use of Magnitsky sanctions to target those responsible for these crimes.
Climate Change: NATO
- During Question Period (QP) in June 2023, MP Zuberi explained the impact and the risk of climate change and asked MINA how Canada’s climate leadership through the NATO climate change and security centre of excellence will support the alliance in addressing the consequences of climate change.
Pakistan:
- At QP in May 2023, MP Zuberi expressed concern over the developing political crisis in Pakistan and asked MINA about the action Canada has taken to follow the situation in Pakistan.
Budget 2024 – International Assistance and Cooperation
- Budget 2024 allocated $350 million over two years beginning in 2024-25, for ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ to respond to humanitarian crises globally.
- Up to $146.3 million over five years, starting in 2027-28, has been designated for ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ to purchase Canada’s allocated shares at Inter-American Development Bank-Invest.
- Budget 2024 also outlined Government’s intention to introduce key measures to reform international financial institutions to enhance their efficiency and responsiveness to emerging global threats.
Supplementary Messages
- Budget 2024 allocates an estimated $216.7 million over five years, beginning in 2025-26 to the Department of Finance to purchase Canada’s share of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s general capital increase.
- Budget 2024 highlights the new phase of the International Assistance Innovation Program.
- Budget 2024 underscores the Ten-Year Commitment to Health and Rights (2020-2030) aiming to increase Canada’s global health and rights funding to $1.4 billion per year, beginning in 2023.
Background
- Government of Canada pledges to assist the most vulnerable, prevent exacerbation of overlapping crises, and foster inclusivity through humanitarian assistance. This commitment not only upholds Canadian democracy but also bolsters democracy worldwide, mitigating the fallout of escalating global crises.
- With international financial institutions being an essential forum for multilateral work, reforming and modernizing them would advance Canada’s development priorities.
- The legislative amendments to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a long-standing development partner in Ukraine, will allow funding allocated to the Department of Finance to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction efforts, supporting the nation in rebuilding critical infrastructure and fostering economic recovery.
- The new phase of the International Assistance Innovation Program will signal a strategic shift towards fostering small yet impactful transactions that bolster businesses and empower entrepreneurs. It will also underscore FinDev Canada's crucial role in facilitating private investment in projects lacking commercial viability.
- Canada will continue to deliver on its commitments towards the Feminist International Assistance Policy with innovative financing arrangements and partnerships, particularly in supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Humanitarian Response 2024
- In FY 2022-2023, Canada provided $1.3 billion in humanitarian assistance to respond to the life-saving needs of those affected by conflict and natural disasters around the world.
- In 2024, driven by an increase in conflicts and the impacts of climate change, nearly 300 million people will need humanitarian assistance.
- Canada will continue to respond by working through experienced humanitarian partners, including the UN, Red Cross, Canadian partners, and NGOs, to provide urgent humanitarian assistance where it is needed most.
Update
To address an unprecedented level of humanitarian needs, Canada continues to respond to an increasing number of sudden onset and protracted humanitarian crises around the world, including in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and Haiti, and is actively addressing global food insecurity.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- In 2024, the UN is appealing for more than $46.4 billion to respond to the needs of over 180 million people.
- Canada remains a committed humanitarian donor, ranked as the 11th largest single country humanitarian donor in 2023.
- Canada continues to respond to large-scale and deteriorating humanitarian situations. For example, since the Russian invasion in 2022, Canada has allocated $352.5 million to respond to humanitarian needs in Ukraine and the region.
- In 2023, in response to the needs arising from the crisis in Sudan, Canada allocated more than $170 million in humanitarian assistance funding in Sudan, as well as in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
- In 2023, Canada provided $13.7 million to Haiti in humanitarian assistance, with additional support being considered in 2024 as the crisis unfolds.
- To date, Canada has announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance funding to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighbouring countries, including a matching fund of $13.7 million.
- In line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, gender equality considerations were integrated into approximately 99% of Canada’s humanitarian assistance projects in FY 2022-2023, with the exception of funding for humanitarian logistics operations.
Background
Over the last decade, the scope, scale, and complexity of the humanitarian system has significantly grown, characterized by an increasing number of conflicts and natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change. Some 110 million people are forcibly displaced, and 309 million people will face food insecurity in 2024, of which 42.3 will be in emergency or worse levels of food insecurity.
Grants And Contributions Transformation Initiative
Top Line Messsages
- The Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative (GCTI) project aims to modernize and streamline the way ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ manages and delivers more than $6 billion in grants and contributions (G&Cs) annually.
- This 7-year project is part of the Transformation Implementation Plan which calls for investing in new tools and systems.
- It addresses the 2023 OAG recommendations for better information and results collection to ensure effectiveness and impact of Canada’s international assistance.
- The initiative will deliver on Government commitments, by building modern client management systems and making programming more responsive, transparent, and accountable by updating the risk management, financial processes and data systems.
Supplementary Messages
- The project has a robust governance structure and program management is aligned with Treasury Board requirements.
- Pilot initiatives are underway to test new and streamlined programming approaches, in close collaboration with implementing partners.
- The projected cost of the GCTI is $175 million over a seven-year period, ending in 2028-29.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- In FY 2022-23, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ disbursed $6.4 billion through grants and contributions, which accounted for 70% of the department’s total expenditures.
- The systems and processes for managing Gs&Cs, developed over multiple decades, are outdated and obsolete, posing a significant liability for the department.
- Partners have expressed their frustration with engaging GAC, citing challenges such as difficulty, the length of time each step takes, and the numerous complex processes in place to work with the department.
- The GCTI will enhance the delivery of international assistance, including digital storage and improved document management; real-time performance data collection and analytics; financial management modernization, and updated risk management approaches.
- The development of the new enterprise management system is being done in-house to ensure cost-effectiveness; cater to GAC’s requirements; enhance adaptability to evolving circumstances in the long term; and align with the government direction to minimize reliance on consultants and professional services.
Background
The GCTI addresses the following commitments and recommendations:
- The PM’s mandate letter to the Minister of International Development, directing the improvement of how Canada manages and delivers international development assistance to ensure greater responsiveness, effectiveness, transparency and accountability.
- Two of the three recommendations of the Auditor General’s 2023 report entitled International Assistance in Support of Gender Equality, calling on GAC to invest in information management systems and practices and to adjust performance indicators to fully measure the impact of funding against policy goals, especially on gender equality and outcomes for women and girls.
- Commitments outlined in Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) to streamline and accelerate funding and reporting procedures, reduce partner administrative burden, and enhance responsibility, transparency, and predictability.
- Recommendations of the 2018 OECD DAC Peer Review of Canada, emphasizing the need for efficient, effective and innovative approaches to Gs&Cs in the delivery of international assistance while maintaining adequate controls.
¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ Transformation
- To adapt to the rapidly changing international environment, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ (GAC) is implementing a multi-year organizational transformation to ensure that it is well equipped to serve Canadians in meeting the global challenges of today and the future.
- The Transformation Implementation Plan is organized along 5 pillars: (1) Organizational culture, (2) People, (3) Global Presence, (4) Policy, and (5) Processes and Tools.
- Significant internal reallocation has taken place to enable early progress and this reinvestment culture will continue, but to achieve the full scope of the transformation envisioned, additional resources will be required.
Supplementary Messages
- We have taken a hard look in the mirror and developed a multi-year plan to address key challenges. It is comprised of 88 deliverables along 5 pillars.
- We are focusing heavily on our people. We are building capacity in key competencies, investing in long-term career development, and placing emphasis on increasing recruitment of our foreign service, which has not been keeping pace with the changes we are seeing internationally.
- For the transformation efforts to be lasting, we also need to address the organizational culture. The face of GAC has changed in the last decades and our culture needs to adapt to this. We recently launched the North Star statement, a common vision that outlines our commitment to better deliver our global agenda that spans diverse program lines, functions and contributions, while remaining open, agile and connected with Canadians.
- GAC has launched a major exercise to reduce bureaucratic waste and focus our people on higher value work for Canadians. For example, we will reduce the time and resources it takes for employees to get the IT equipment they need to do their jobs; as a department that has a massive annual rotation of staff and relies on tech to deliver for Canadians – we expect this will save significant workload and increase productivity. GAC has launched an initiative to streamline its onboarding processes for all employees, including the foreign service, in order to get new colleagues up to speed more quickly, saving time and resources.
- GAC also wants to be more open as an institution. GAC is designing a new Open Insights Hub, to be launched in 2024, that will act as a consistent, coherent and coordinated interface with academic institutions, think tanks, and other private sectors in Canada and abroad.
- Keeping up with prolonged and multiple overlapping crises has been a challenge. This year, we are undertaking a review to strengthen our capacity to coordinate responses and manage crises with agility.
- We are developing a methodology and tools for regularly reviewing and rebalancing our presence abroad to ensure we are where we need to be when it matters most. However, increases in our presence abroad will require new resources.
- Given our amalgamated mandate, we are also looking to improve our coordination with other government partners on cross-cutting issues like crisis management, critical minerals and emerging technologies including AI.
- Finally, we are investing in our IM/IT programs, tools, and systems to better make use of emerging technologies and guard against cyber-attacks including by harnessing AI to work better and faster.
Update
- Early progress includes launching the Red Tape Reduction effort to streamline bureaucratic processes and incentivize innovation and encouraging smart risk taking, releasing the North Star Statement and the annual Wrongdoing Report, launching internal foreign services recruitment processes, designing the Open Insights Hub, announcing a Senior Coordinator for Cyber, Digital and Emerging Technologies and developing tools for rebalancing Canada’s presence abroad.
- GAC is developing metrics and indicators to monitor the progress and effectiveness of all its initiatives to ensure a transparent and accountable transformation process.
- Insights from the Senate AEFA Committee’s Report as well as the outcomes of the House FAAE Committee’s study will be incorporated into the Transformation Implementation Plan (TIP) to bolster the transformation effort.
Refocusing Government Spending
- The 2024-25 Main Estimates include a decrease of $117.6M related to the adjustment for Refocusing Government Spending.
- Budget 2023 mandated reductions in the operating budgets of departments and agencies related to travel costs as well as professional services costs. The government committed to reduce spending by $14.1B over the next five years, starting in 2023-24, and by $4.1B annually after that.
Supplementary Messages
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ will achieve the majority of these reductions by reducing professional services and travel expenditures, scaling back planned spending under the International Assistance Innovation Program and Sovereign Loans Program and sunsetting funding under the Middle East Strategy as of April 2025.
- Other reductions were identified, such as: scaling back funding under the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program and the Canadian Police Deployments, scaling back some funding under the intellectual property component of the CanExport Program, recalibrating marketing efforts aimed at promoting Canada as a study destination and planning to modestly reduce the senior management cadre in the context of the department’s broader transformation efforts.
- Total budget reduction profile:
2023-2024 (blocked allocations) | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 | 2026-2027 & 2027-2028 | 2028-2029 & Ongoing |
---|---|---|---|---|
- 27,602,000 | - 118,718,936 | - 179,214,936 | - 243,374,436 | - 244,791,846 |
Background
- Budget 2023 mandated reductions are aimed at returning public spending to pre-pandemic levels in terms of pace and scale, as well as focusing on finding savings to support healthcare and clean economy initiatives.
0.7% ODA Spending and Increasing the Development Budget
Top Line Messages
- The government is committed to increase international development assistance every year towards 2030.
- Canada has no current plan to meet the UN 0.7% ODA/GNI target but has successfully increased its ODA volume each year since 2016. In 2023, Canada achieved a preliminary ODA/GNI ratio of 0.38 percent, its highest level since 1995.
- The International Assistance Envelope is projected to reach approximately $7.7 billion in 2024-25, a 40% increase from 2019-20.
Supplementary Messages
- In 2023, Canada’s preliminary official development assistance (ODA) increased by 7% to 10.9 billion, up from $10.2 billion in 2022, and Canada remained the 6th highest donor among OECD members in terms of ODA volume and rose to the 14th position based on ODA/GNI, up from 18th in 2022. This increase is mainly due to higher levels of refugee support, climate finance, and FinDev Canada’s capitalization.
- Along with increasing its international development assistance, the government remains committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of its aid to generate better results for the poorest and most vulnerable.
- To complement its ODA, Canada strives to mobilize additional public and private financing for sustainable development.
Supporting Facts And Figures
- The IAE has been on an upward trajectory since 2015-16, growing from $4.63 billion to an estimated $7.7 billion in 2024-25.
- A large portion of the increases in 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 was exceptional, driven by responses to COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Canada reports domestically, on a fiscal year basis, on International Assistance, which includes official development assistance and initiatives funded through the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) as mandated by the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act (ODAAA).
- The OECD-DAC calculates each donor country’s ODA volume and ODA/GNI ratio on a calendar year basis using all official sources of ODA (i.e. national and sub-national entities).
- In 2023, Canada’s net ODA rose by $695 million to $10.9 billion, and according to preliminary DAC data, Canada remained the 6th largest DAC donor in total volume and rose to 14th position among DAC countries when ODA is taken as a share of GNI.
Office of the Auditor General Report (International Assistance in Support of Gender Equality)
Top Line Messages
- The Report highlighted the continued need for the Feminist International Assistance Policy and its implementation.
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ agreed to the Report’s recommendations and is actively working to address them, while engaging on an ongoing basis with the Office of the Auditor General.
- To support this work, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ continues to modernize how international assistance is managed to make it more responsive, efficient, transparent, and accountable.
Supplementary Messages
- Much of the work related to addressing the OAG’s recommendations is well underway, and in some cases, completed. ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ has improved its information management practices with the implementation of a Project Documents Database. The Department has also strengthened the consideration of intersectionality in tools and training, and governance mechanisms for international assistance.
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ is automating and streamlining its business processes and systems, including those related to results information and reporting.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Reviews of comparable donors by the OECD-DAC find similar challenges of meeting corporate monitoring and reporting requirements, and assessing how interventions contribute to development results.
- With more than 1,500 active international assistance projects, GAC has a large amount of data and information to project manage.
- The Department with modern IT capabilities in grants and contributions management and help address issues identified by the OAG.
Background
On 27 March 2023, the Auditor General of Canada tabled the “Report 4 – International Assistance in Support of Gender Equality”. The audit found that there is a continued need for the implementation of the FIAP, however that GAC did not comprehensively monitor or report on the outcomes of policy implementation, concluding that GAC was unable to demonstrate how Canada’s FIAP contributed to improving gender equality in low- and middle-income countries. To address recommendation 1, GAC has implemented a centralized Project Documents Database, with mandatory uploading of essential project documents, training for staff, regular reminders to employees on the mandatory exercise, and updates to senior management on progress in completing the exercise. In response to recommendation 2, GAC will be implementing an approach that integrates thematic and program indicators, thereby better reporting on outcomes and improving the communication of results. In response to recommendation 3, changes were already made to the gender equality assessment form and guidance, to be more explicit about diversity and intersecting identity factors. GAC has reviewed and adjusted existing guidance, tools, training, and processes to ensure they meet the OAG’s expectations for the consideration of identity factors beyond age in project-level gender equality assessments.
Measures to Hold the Iranian Regime Accountable
Issue: Listing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.
Top Line Messages
- Canada is committed to holding the Iranian regime accountable for its actions that support terrorism and for its gross and systematic violations of human rights.
- Canada takes the threat of terrorism very seriously and continues to explore all possible measures to constrain the activities of the Iranian Regime. Canada also continues to use of a combination of terrorist listings and sanctioning authorities to target a network of non-state actors serving as proxies for Iran.
- On November 14, 2022, Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has engaged in terrorism and systematic and gross human rights violations. As a result, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, or IRPA, tens of thousands of prominent Iranian government officials, including top IRGC members, are now permanently inadmissible to Canada. In addition to being banned from entering Canada, current and former senior officials present here may be investigated and removed from the country.
- Moreover, to date, Canada has sanctioned 442 Iranian individuals and entities under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations (SEMA). Since October 2022, Canada has imposed 16 rounds of SEMA sanctions targeting 153 individuals and 87 entities at all levels of Iran’s security, intelligence, and economic apparatus. These measures effectively freeze any assets the listed individuals and entities may hold in Canada.
- Additionally, Iran continues to be designated as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. This listing, together with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, permits victims to bring civil actions against Iran for losses or damages relating to terrorism.
- With respect to listing the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, as a terrorist entity, determining whether to designate an entity is the result of a rigorous, cross-government process based on evidence, intelligence, and the law. While I cannot disclose which entities are being considered for listing, I want to emphasize that the Criminal Code terrorist listing regime is just one of the mechanisms available to the Government of Canada for responding to Iran’s egregious behaviour.
- It is worth noting that Canada has taken a number of actions, including listing the IRGC’s Qods Force, who is responsible for providing arms, funding and training to other terrorist groups. The Government continues to list a number of these terrorist entities including Hizballah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Taliban, Al-Ashtar Brigades, the Fatemiyoun Division, and Harakat al-Sabireen.
- And let me assure you, colleagues, that the listing of entities is an ongoing process and that Government officials continue to assess all groups, including the IRGC, and monitor any new developments.
Background:
On June 13, 2018, the House of Commons adopted an Opposition motion which called on the Government to, among other things, immediately designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code. The downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 by an Iranian missile in January 2020 refocused calls for the IRGC to be listed under the Criminal Code. In January 2024, during a ceremony commemorating the victims of Flight PS752, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that the Government is looking at ways to hold the Iranian Regime accountable and will continue to look for ways to responsibly list the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
The Criminal Code sets out a terrorist listing regime to help prevent the use of Canada’s financial system to further terrorist activity, and to assist in the investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences.
The Minister of Public Safety may recommend to the Governor in Council that individuals or groups be designated as “terrorist entities” pursuant to s. 83.05 (1) of the Criminal Code (establishment of list) if there are reasonable grounds to believe that an entity:
- has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity; or
- has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with, an entity referred to in paragraph (a).
Canada has several punitive measures already in place in response to Iran’s support of terrorism, and against the IRGC. These include the listing of the IRGC’s Qods Force (QF) and other Iranian proxies (the Taliban, Hizballah, Hamas, Al-Ashtar Brigades, The Fatemiyoun Division, and Harakat al-Sabireen) as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code.
Moreover, Canada imposes vigorous sanctions against the Iranian regime and its leadership under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). To date, Canada has sanctioned 442 Iranian individuals and entities under SEMA. Since October 2022, Canada has imposed 16 rounds of SEMA sanctions targeting 153 individuals and 87 entities at all levels of Iran’s security, intelligence, and economic apparatus. Sanctions explicitly target the IRGC, its branches, and its leadership, by prohibiting certain dealings with these individuals and entities.
On June 23, 2022, new amendments came into force providing the authorities for the seizure, forfeiture, disposal and redistribution of assets that have already been effectively frozen under the SEMA and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA). Under Canada’s legislation, proceeds from sold forfeited assets may be used for: the reconstruction of a state adversely affected by a grave breach of international peace and security; the restoration of international peace and security; and the compensation of victims.
On November 14, 2022, Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has participated in systematic and severe breaches of human rights. As a result, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), tens of thousands of prominent Iranian government officials are now permanently inadmissible to Canada, including heads of state, top IRGC members, intelligence operatives, senior government officials, diplomats, and judges.
Should Bill S-8, an Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, becomes law, it will align the IRPA with SEMA to ensure all foreign nationals subject to sanctions under SEMA will also be inadmissible to Canada.
Since September 7, 2012, Iran is listed in Canada as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. As a result, Iran’s immunity from civil proceedings was lifted in relation to its terrorist activity or support for terrorism. Known Iranian assets in Canada, with the exception of diplomatic properties, were seized to satisfy civil proceedings under the Justice For Victims of Terrorism Act (JVTA). The JVTA allows victims of terrorism to launch civil actions against perpetrators of terrorism and those that support them for loss or damage that occurred as a result of an act of terrorism committed anywhere in the world. In order to bring a claim under the JVTA, a person must have suffered loss or damage in or outside Canada on or after January 1, 1985, as a result of an act or omission that is, or had it been committed in Canada would be, punishable under Part II.1 of the Criminal Code (terrorism offences).
Progress on Sustainable Development Goals
Top Line Messages
- Fully committed to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Canada advances the SDGs through targeted domestic and international actions, aiming to leave no one behind.
- Inclusive partnerships and accelerated action needed to stay on track.
Supplementary Messages
- Canada is taking an intersectional, human rights-based and feminist approach to implement the 2030 Agenda.
- Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy – Moving Forward Together – is committed to whole-of-society engagement in advancing the SDGs, recognizing everyone’s role in realizing sustainable development.
- Canada is making progress on all aspects of the SDGs through domestic and international action, including initiatives to eradicate poverty, advance gender equality, protect the planet, and improve equality of opportunity for all.
- In his role as SDG Advocate, Prime Minister Trudeau has championed the 2030 Agenda and the importance of making progress on the SDGs.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- In September 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda.
- In February 2021, Canada launched its 2030 Agenda National Strategy, followed by a Canadian Indicator Framework in July 2021 to track SDG progress.
- In April 2022, the United Nations announced that Prime Minister Trudeau would become the new co-Chair of the Secretary General’s SDG Advocates group.
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ, guided by Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy and its subsidiary policies, takes a whole-of-department approach to the SDGs, leveraging trade, diplomacy, development, and advocacy to advance the 2030 Agenda.
- Canada’s Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (official support for sustainable development in developing countries, including private resources mobilized through official means) reached $14.2 billion in 2022.
- Canada presented Voluntary National Review reports to the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2018 and 2023.
Background
The 2030 Agenda is an ambitious 15-year global framework centered around 17 interrelated and indivisible SDGs. They cover all aspects of sustainable development and are meant to be implemented by both developing and developed countries. At the halfway mark, the global community is behind and risks not reaching the inclusive and sustainable world initially envisioned. Accelerated action which prioritizes Goals that can work as SDG multipliers (i.e. gender) is needed on the path towards 2030.
Canadian Based Organizations
Top Line Messages
- Canadian organizations play a frontline role in the delivery of Canada’s international development priorities.
- Rooted in communities across Canada, they help us leverage Canadian expertise, resources and innovation; understand local challenges and opportunities; strengthen policy dialogue; and engage Canadians to raise awareness, support and action related to international assistance.
Supplementary Messages
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ is committed to the delivery of international assistance that is efficient and inclusive of all who face discrimination and marginalization, while recognizing that more needs to be done.
- GAC will continue to strengthen its gender equality, human rights, and project management guidance, training and processes to further improve how we consider intersecting identity factors and account for results.
- Canada recognizes the important role of local, Canadian and international civil society organizations in the delivery of international assistance, and values ongoing dialogue as we collectively shift towards greater locally-led development and pursue enhanced effectiveness of international assistance.
- The Department recognizes that charities have raised concerns with respect to direction and control and welcomes the amended Income Tax Act and the new Canadian Revenue Agency related guidance to replace the direction and control provisions.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- GAC allocated $1.16 billion in international assistance to Canadian organizations in 2022-23 (17%), compared to just over $1 billion (18%) in 2021-22. While the volume of aid to Canadian organizations has increased, the proportion of GAC’s international assistance directed to Canadian organizations has declined. Between 2013-14 to 2019-20, the proportion of GAC’s international assistance directed to Canadian organizations was consistently over 20%.
- In 2022-2023, approximately 185 Canadian organizations received GAC funding to implement international assistance projects, of which 37 were small and medium-sized organizations.
Background
Canadian based organizations value in the delivery of Canada’s IA: The Department partners with a diversity of Canadian organizations (civil society organizations, private sector, universities and research institutions) of various sizes and sectors to: 1) deliver international assistance programming; 2) dialogue on policy, process improvements & innovation, and 3) engage, inform, and inspire Canadians on international development. In addition, Canadian partners’ broad geographic reach provides visibility for Canada across the globe, including in countries where Canada’s presence is otherwise limited. The Department is also exploring opportunities for joined-up projects with the private sector and other partners to leverage additional sources of funds and contribute to sustainable development.
Delivery of international assistance: To increase predictability, the Department publishes a semi-annual calendar of calls for proposals and issues detailed information on funding processes. To increase accessibility, and to lower applicants’ burden, new application processes have been introduced such as the use of proposal “concept notes”, and simplified project implementation planning and reporting templates. Through the Small and Medium Organizations (SMOs) Initiative, over 430 SMOs have benefited from capacity-building activities and there have been 468 applications to the three calls for proposals. To date, 39 SMOs have received funding to implement development projects with another 50 SMOs selected to test innovative solutions through the Fund for Innovation and Transformation. The Department is working with partners to reduce the administrative burden and increase the transparency, responsiveness and predictability of our international assistance.
Budget 2024: A coalition of over 100 Canadian international cooperation organizations, including Cooperation Canada, welcomes new funding of $350 million over two years in additional humanitarian aid. 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.
Direction and control: In response to the sector’s advocacy related to some elements of the Income Tax Act applicable to Canadian charities carrying on activities outside Canada, Finance Canada amended the legislation to address charities’ views that the previous requirements were costly and labour intensive, and supported an out-dated colonial approach to working with local partners. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) published its revised guidance in December 2023 which informs due diligence and accountability measures related to the transfer of funds by Canadian charities to local organizations. While changes to the legislation will not directly affect GAC’s programming, the amended Income Tax Act and CRA’s related guidance align with GAC’s contribution agreements, as required under the TBS Transfer Payment Policy.
Bill C-41
Top Line Messages
- In June 2023, Canada amended Criminal Code terrorist financing provisions to facilitate international assistance and other needed activities in terrorist-controlled areas.
- The amendment created a humanitarian exception and an authorization regime.
- The new legislation facilitates Canada’s engagement to address humanitarian crises and advance human rights globally, while keeping strong counter terrorism financing provisions.
Supplementary messages
- The humanitarian exception is in force and shields from criminal liability humanitarian assistance activities carried out under the auspices of impartial humanitarian organizations in accordance with international law.
- The authorization regime in expected to be launched in Spring 2024.
- Authorizations offer Canadian organizations the ability to get a waiver of criminal liability for situations where planned activities may unavoidably provide a benefit (e.g payment of taxes or operating fees) to a terrorist group.
Update
Public Safety has been working with Government of Canada partners, including GAC, IRCC, DoJ, and CRA, to implement the authorization regime since June 2023. Public Safety is expected to table in Parliament the first Annual Report on operations of the authorization regime on March 22, consistent with statutory requirements. Work is underway to publicly launch the authorization regime in spring 2024. Public Safety has a statutory requirement to table in Parliament a comprehensive review of the regime covering the first year following entry into force of the legislation (June 2023-June 2024) and every 5 years thereafter.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Budget 2023 allocated $12.7 million over two years (2023-24 and 2024-25) for security and administrative components of the authorization regime.
- Since the humanitarian exception has come into effect, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ’s Humanitarian Assistance Bureau has approved $3 million in support of two new humanitarian programs in Afghanistan, to be delivered by Aga Khan Foundation of Canada and Islamic Relief Canada.
Background
Government Bill C-41 received Royal Assent on June 20, 2023. It created a humanitarian exception and authorization regime to shield Canadian organizations from criminal liability for carrying out international assistance, immigration and safe passage or government operations, where these activities may provide a benefit to a terrorist group (for example, through taxes and operating fees), in contravention of Criminal Code counter terrorism financing provisions.
The humanitarian exception is in force and facilitates the delivery of urgent, life-saving assistance. It does not require an application. The authorization regime can shield from criminal liability activities that support health, education, livelihoods and human rights programming, immigration and government operations. The Minister of Public Safety may grant authorizations, upon referral of applications by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on a case-by-case basis.
Civil society organizations were engaged throughout the legislative process and following the bill passage, including via stakeholder briefings hosted by Public Safety, most recently in March 2024. Generally, the new legislation has been welcomed by the Canadian aid community, although some stakeholders have raised concerns on the lack of clarity around the scope of the authorization regime and the humanitarian exception, a potentially burdensome application process and the amount of personal information that may be required.
Indo-Pacific Strategy
Top Line Messages
- Implementing our Indo-Pacific Strategy is a priority for the Government of Canada.
- Under the Strategy, we are making $183.59M new investments in sustainable development assistance to the Indo-Pacific region over five years, and $750M in paid-in capital for FinDev Canada to support high quality, sustainable infrastructure development in the region.
- This investment is in addition to our ongoing development efforts; we have contributed $1.16B in official development assistance to the region in fiscal year 22/23.
Supplementary Messages
- After a first year of advancing engagement and building the necessary foundations we are starting to operationalize several new IPS initiatives this year.
- We are expanding our development partnerships with the region, in particular with Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and the Pacific Islands.
- Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy will remain central to our development approach in the Indo-Pacific.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- The Indo-Pacific region is home to nearly 60% of the world’s population.
- It faces important challenges, such as increasing political instability, gender inequality, and is making uneven progress in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- It is the world’s most disaster-prone region and is greatly impacted by climate change. It accounts for 53% of global CO2
- Canada programmed $1.78B in 22/23 to the Indo-Pacific (this figure includes ODA programming from partner departments).
Background
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (November 2022) presents a comprehensive and integrated set of strategic priorities for the coming decade, spanning defence and security, trade and economic cooperation, people-to-people ties, international assistance, as well as environment and climate change. With new investments and paid-in capital totalling nearly $2.3 B, it comprises of 24 initiatives across 17 government departments and agencies, as well as FinDev Canada and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. New development assistance initiatives are included in three of the Strategy’s five interconnected strategic objectives:
- Investing in and connecting people: an expanded Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program ($12.3M), a call for concept notes aiming at strengthening civil society and democratic spaces in the Indo-Pacific ($30M) with a focus on inclusive governance, human rights and gender equality; increased bilateral assistance to select partners in Southeast Asia and the creation of a new Pacific Islands development program ($80.59M).
- Building a sustainable and green future: supporting FinDev Canada, Canada’s development finance institution, to expand its operations to the region ($750M paid-in capital); and a disaster risk and resilience program ($50M).
- Canada as an active, engaged and reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific: additional contributions to the Canada-ASEAN Plan of Action Trust Fund ($10.7M).
Canada’s development assistance in the Indo-Pacific began under the Colombo Plan in the 1950s and remains an important component of our engagement in many developing Indo-Pacific countries. As such, the Department’s 9 bilateral programs and 2 regional programs in the Indo-Pacific are currently the most visible component of Canada’s international assistance engagement in the region.
Canada’s aid efforts for Food Security
Top Line Messages
- Unprecedented levels of global food insecurity due to a confluence of conflict, climate and economic shocks, including pandemic and invasion of Ukraine.
- Canada disbursed $672 million for agriculture and food systems development assistance FY22/23; and allocated $385 million in extra budgetary resources for humanitarian food and nutrition assistance from 2021 to 2023.
- Addressing food security and nutrition remains high on multilateral agendas, including G7 and G20 in 2024.
Supplementary Messages
- Food insecurity levels have been rising since 2015 and, although they appear to have stabilized in 2022, they remain above pre-pandemic levels.
- Canada is committed to strengthening resilience of agriculture and food systems to reduce need for costly humanitarian responses.
- The provision of food and nutrition assistance has been a key component of Canada’s humanitarian assistance portfolio over time.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Up to 783 million people faced hunger in 2022, an increase of more than 122 million people than before the COVID-19 pandemic and invasion of Ukraine.
- 158 million people are experiencing crisis, emergency or catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
- 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.
Background
Food crises are the result of multiple drivers that can reinforce each other and function as threat multipliers. Conflict, climate change and economic shocks are the primary drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition around the world, with differing impacts in different locations. Women and girls are disproportionately vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity as they often eat the least and last in a family.
Following the invasion of Ukraine, global food and fertilizer prices reached all-time highs. Although global food prices have since decreased, domestic food prices in developing countries - the prices that matter to consumers - continue to increase. High food prices disproportionately affect those living in poverty, who spend most of their income on food and other basic needs. Climate change is also driving recent rises in global hunger. About two-thirds of the people facing severe food insecurity depend on agricultural livelihoods and are affected by climate change. Changes in climate also impact nutrition through reduced nutrient quality and dietary diversity of foods produced and consumed. In countries experiencing severe food crises, conflict is the primary driver. Seventy percent of the world's hungry people live in areas afflicted by war and violence.
In response to growing food and nutrition needs, Canada significantly increased the share of its humanitarian funding in these sectors since 2017, notably through the allocation of $385 million in extra budgetary resources for humanitarian food and nutrition assistance from 2021 to 2023. This assistance is provided through key humanitarian UN and NGO partners to help provide life-saving services such as food assistance, emergency cash and vouchers and ready-to-use therapeutic food for emergency feeding of acutely malnourished children. Canada also provides longer-term agriculture and food systems development assistance disbursing $672 million in fiscal year 2022-2023. Launched in December 2023, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ’s was developed to provide strategic and technical guidance to improve Canada’s international development programming, policy, and advocacy to address the causes of global food crises by increasing resilience of global and local agri-food systems to climate, agronomic, economic and conflict shocks.
Responding to global food insecurity and malnutrition challenges have been a priority for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 G7 Presidencies. Brazil as 2024 G20 President is launching a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
Climate Finance
- Canada has doubled its previous commitment to international climate finance and is providing $5.3 billion over 2021−26 to help developing countries fight climate change and build resilience against its impacts.
- At least 80% of projects are integrating gender equality, 40% of funding will go toward adaptation, and at least 20% is supporting projects that leverage nature-based solutions.
Supplementary messages
- Canada recognizes that climate action is most effective when women and girls play an active role. Through its Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada is committed to ensuring that international climate finance addresses the challenges faced by women and girls and empowers them to be effective agents of change in climate action.
- The private sector plays a key role in reaching the investment levels required to shift the world towards a low-carbon and climate resilient path. Canada is capitalizing on its $5.3 billion international climate finance commitment to respond to developing countries’ needs and priorities – using innovative financial instruments to mobilize important private sector finance and expertise for climate action – and promoting public-private partnerships.
- Canada recognizes that to achieve maximum results, actions to protect and conserve nature, as well as efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, must be closely aligned.
Update
Canada fully delivered on its commitment to provide $2.65 billion over 2015−21 to help developing countries tackle climate change.
In June 2021, at the G7 Leaders’ Summit, the Prime Minister announced a doubling of Canada’s international climate finance commitment to $5.3 billion over 2021−2026. Budget 2021 provided the associated Record of Decision on June 15, 2021 and the financial authority for Canada’s new $5.3 billion climate finance commitment. Canada’s climate finance is targeting four thematic areas of focus (Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase Out; Nature-based Solutions and Biodiversity; Climate-smart Agriculture and Food Systems; and, Climate Governance) and has three public policy targets (40% of funding for adaptation, up from 30% previously; 20% of funding for projects that leverage nature-based climate solutions and projects that contribute biodiversity co-benefits; and having at least 80% of climate projects integrate gender equality).
Since 2015, Canada’s climate finance programming has achieved concrete results in helping developing countries transition toward low-carbon, climate-resilient economies, has mobilized important investments from the private sector, and continues to support women’s leadership and decision-making in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Supporting Facts and Figures
As of 2022–2023, the $2.65 billion commitment has reduced or prevented nearly 16 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to removing more than 4.4 million cars from roads for one year), helped more than 4 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, and mobilized more than $300 million in private finance (over 2017–2022). By 2030, the commitment is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200 megatonnes (equivalent to removing about 57 million cars from roads for one year), help more than 6 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, and mobilize even more important climate finance contributions from the private sector.
Background
Canada’s international climate finance counts as Official Development Assistance and is aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.
Peacekeeping Efforts
Top Line Messages
- Peacekeeping, generally under a UN banner, remains a key tool for maintaining international peace and security.
- Canadian contributions to peacekeeping include financial support, training, capabilities, and policy initiatives as well as the deployment of personnel.
- Peacekeeping is not, however, a substitute for the political resolution of conflicts or for addressing their root causes.
Update
United Nations (UN) peacekeeping is currently in flux, with the recent closing (December 2023) of the mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and a reduction in size of the mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); the latter is currently expected to close at the end of 2024. In both cases, the withdrawals are due to host government requests rather than an improvement of the security situation; such consent is fundamental to UN peacekeeping. UN peacekeeping remains the norm, but there is ongoing discussion about other models. For example, a Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission to assist the Haitian police was approved by the UN Security Council (UNSC) in October 2023, though it has yet to deploy. As well, in December 2023 the UNSC adopted a resolution that provides an initial framework for UN assessed contributions to partially fund peace operations led by the African Union (AU) on a case-by-case basis.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- For 2023-2024, the UN peacekeeping budget is approximately $6.05B US, funding 11 missions and associated supports.
- Canada’s assessed contributions for the period is approximately $151.3M US ($200.9 CAD), making Canada the 8th largest contributor in this regard.
- Almost 60,000 military and 6,500 police personnel are deployed on UN missions, down from over 100,000 personnel a decade ago; Canada currently has 22 military and 23 police personnel deployed to UN missions.
- Canada contributes additional support through the provision of episodic tactical airlift to the UN missions in the DRC and South Sudan and to training efforts.
- Canada has been a leader in peacekeeping policy. This includes its long-standing role as Chair of the UN’s “C34 Committee” (which guides peacekeeping policy at the General Assembly) and through initiatives such as the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers and the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations.
- Canada also deploys personnel to support non-UN peace support operations, such as the Multinational Force and Observers, which monitors compliance with the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty in the Sinai.
Background
Canada and most allied countries have shifted the bulk of their support to UN peacekeeping toward smaller, strategic deployments of limited personnel, with a focus on specialized high-value capabilities and niche expertise, along with financial and policy contributions. The main objective is to exert systemic influence over UN missions and reform initiatives in a time of diminishing numbers of deployed personnel. Canada also contributes to debates about the future of peace operations, which include consideration of missions led by third parties and hybrid missions, while retaining the current model of large multidimensional missions for use as appropriate. Other UN tools, such as Special Political Missions and more narrowly focused peacekeeping missions, are also options. Cooperation with the AU took a major step forward in December 2023 with the UNSC’s adoption of a framework for partial financial support to select AU-led missions, though many implementation questions remain unanswered. These discussions arise from a deepening understanding of the limits of peacekeeping, both as a response to unconventional threats (e.g., terrorism) and as a means of resolving what are, at base, political problems.
Canada’s Middle East Strategy
Top Line Messages
- Since 2016, Canada has committed to over $4.7 billion for the Middle East Strategy to help set the conditions for security and stability, alleviate human suffering, enable civilian-led stabilization programs and support governance and longer-term efforts to build resilience.
- By the end of March 2025, the Middle East Strategy will sunset and the Government of Canada will gradually return to its previous funding levels for its bilateral development programming in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.
Supplementary Messages
- The Government of Canada has allocated over $388M in Jordan, $136M in Lebanon, $107M in Iraq for development assistance under the Strategy (2016-2023).
- Under the Strategy, Canada enhanced its diplomatic engagement across the region. With the end of the Strategy in March 2025, Canada’s diplomatic footprint in Iraq will reduce.
- Canada’s Middle East Strategy has contributed towards security and stabilization in the four countries of focus.
- Dedicated Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program (CTCBP) funding for the Middle East will conclude March 2025.
Supporting Facts and Figures
Of the $4.7 billion, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ disbursed a total of $2.45 billion through the Strategy from 2016-2023, including $1.47 billion in humanitarian assistance, $659 million in development assistance, and $362 million in security and stabilization programming.
The $659M allocated for development assistance under the Strategy
(2016-2023) has helped:
- improve the living conditions and build the resilience of conflict-affected people in the region, particularly for women and girls,
- provide gender-responsive social services and access to quality education for skills development and employability,
- reduce tensions and build social cohesion,
- improve governance and longer-term institution building.
- enhance the capacity of beneficiary states to counter and respond to terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational criminal activity.
Background
The Strategy’s whole-of-government response targets areas where Canada’s involvement can make a positive difference, leverage Canadian expertise, and complementing the efforts of other partners.
Initiatives under the Strategy support transformative change to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Feminist Foreign Policy, and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Canada contributes to the Global Coalition Against Daesh’s efforts degrade and ensure Daesh’s enduring defeat, counter violent extremism, restore stability and promote regional security. Through Op Impact, a small number of Canadian Forces remain in Iraq to support NATO Mission Iraq and the Global Coalition.
Canada is actively contributing to international efforts aimed at holding actors accountable for war crimes and violations of international law, finding political solutions to the crises, and support for the rules-based international order.
Canada will continue to work with the international community to advance Canada’s interests and values in a gender-responsive manner across the Strategy’s pillars: development assistance, security and stabilization, and diplomatic engagement.
Exports to Israel and Export Controls Protocol Generally
Top Line Messages
- Canada has one of the most rigorous export permit regimes in the world.
- Since January 8th, the government has not approved new arms export permits to Israel, and this remains the government’s approach.
- There are no open permits for exports of lethal goods to Israel and export permits that were approved up until January 8th remain in effect.
Latest Developments
Since October 7, 2023 the issue of export controls has received intense and sustained public, media and parliamentary attention. The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) is studying the granting of arms exports permits with a specific focus on Israel and export permits approved between October 7 and January 8 have been shared with the committee. ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ (GAC) is in discussions with the FAAE following the committee’s motion, adopted on February 12, 2024 to produce documents related to the granting of export or brokering permits for military goods and technology to Israel.
On March 5, 2024, an Application for judicial review was filed in Federal Court that challenges any decision on export or brokering permits that may have been made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) for military goods and technology destined to Israel after October 8, 2023, or from prior that remain valid, and asks the Court to order that the Minister cease issuing any permits and cancel any valid permits.
On Monday March 18, 2024, the House of Commons adopted a non-binding motion which included a call for the government to: “cease the further authorization and transfer of arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with Canada’s arms export regime and increase efforts to stop the illegal trade of arms, including to Hamas”.
The government has not approved new arms export permits to Israel since January 8, and this remains the government’s approach. Export permits that were approved up until January 8 remain in effect. Given the nature of the supply chains, suspending all open permits would have important implications for both Canada and its allies.
Background
Export Controls Protocol
All permit applications for controlled items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Canada’s risk assessment framework, including against Arms Trade Treaty criteria, which are enshrined in the EIPA. GAC assesses approximately 5500 export permit applications every year. In 2022, Canada’s exports of military goods and technology to non-US destinations amounted to approximately $2.1 billion.
Permits for controlled items will not be issued if there is a substantial risk that they could be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law, undermine peace and security, a serious violation of international human rights law, an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to terrorism to which Canada is a party, an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to transnational organized crime to which Canada is a party, or serious acts of gender-based violence or serious acts of violence against women and children.
Export-controlled items include a wide variety of goods and technology designed for both civilian and military purposes, examples of which include telecommunications equipment, decontamination equipment, cryptographic equipment, protective equipment, simulators, imaging equipment, electronic components, firearms, and ammunition.
Exports to Israel
Since 1991, Canada has not issued permits under the EIPA to Israel for exports of any conventional arms, except for four permits for small arms. Conventional arms cover: battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large-calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles and missile launchers, and small arms and light weapons.
Gaza Development and Humanitarian Assistance
Top Line Messages
- Canada is deeply concerned by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza that is worsening by the hour.
- Canada continues to call for more entry points, expanded access, protection of humanitarian workers, and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
- To date, Canada has announced $100M in humanitarian assistance to address urgent needs, placing us among the donor donors responding to the crisis.
Supplementary Messages
- Canada continues to work on ways to overcome challenges related to humanitarian access to allow for consistent and sustained humanitarian assistance at scale to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians.
- Working with other governments and partners in the region to increase the access of said assistance into the Strip. While advocating for more trucks to be allowed into Gaza and more entry points to be open, Canada has ramped up our own assistance to support humanitarian delivery, including via airdrops.
- Canada also welcomes the planned opening of a maritime corridor to deliver much-needed additional humanitarian assistance by sea and commend the leadership of Cyprus, the EU, the US and others on this initiative.
- However, it is clear that neither airdrops nor the sea corridor can satisfy the immense needs in Gaza. This is why we are continuing to urge Israel to ensure the delivery of assistance from the existing land crossings, and for new crossings to be established to more effectively see aid reach those in need, particularly in Northern Gaza.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- In 2022-23, Canada disbursed over $56M in international assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, including $40M in Development and $14M in Humanitarian Assistance funding.
- In 2022-23 Canada’s funding to UNRWA totalled $35.25M
- Breakdown of the $100M humanitarian assistance for Gaza, the West Bank and neighbouring areas to respond to the ongoing crisis:
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): $8.2M
- Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS): $3,026,875
- Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): $4M
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): $8M
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF): $9M
- United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): $20M
- World Food Programme (WFP): $24M
- World Health Organization (WHO): $5M
- Humanitarian Coalition Matching Fund: $13,773,125
- Action Against Hunger: $5M
Background
On October 7 2023, Hamas militants stormed southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and capturing at least 190 hostages, while indiscriminately firing thousands of rockets into Israel. In response, Israel launched retaliatory air strikes against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the densely populated Gaza Strip, while imposing a closure of Gaza, including restrictions on food imports, fuel, water, and electricity. Israel also imposed a closure of Gaza, including restrictions on food imports, fuel, water, and electricity. The relentless hostilities, bombardments, ground operations, civilian casualties, mass displacement and destruction of homes and critical infrastructure compounded by severely constrained humanitarian access are creating a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The civilian population has been displaced multiple times towards the south, where they have run out of space in Khan Younis and Rafah. Most critical civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, water and bakeries, have been destroyed or rendered non-functional. The IPC food security projections point to crisis or worse levels of food insecurity, including 876,000 facing emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels of food insecurity and 677,000 facing catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) levels of food insecurity.
Canada’s funding focuses on addressing urgent, life-saving humanitarian needs stemming from conflict between Israel and Hamas. This assistance is supporting the provision of food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance through a gender-sensitive approach. If the humanitarian crisis expands outside of Gaza and the West Bank, Canada would aim to support immediate, life-saving humanitarian needs in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, on the basis of new or revised appeals.
All of Canada’s humanitarian assistance will be delivered through long-standing and experienced Canadian partners determined by a careful review of humanitarian needs and partner capacity and presence. These partners include the Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Annex 1
Canada's International Assistance to West Bank and Gaza FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
(figures in $ millions)
Notes:
- Includes aid to (core funding) and through multilateral organizations.
- Includes international assistance from all departments, provinces, and municipalities.
Source: Statistical Reports on International Assistance
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 53.5 | 3.0 | 56.4 |
2021/2022 | 63.9 | 1.7 | 65.5 |
2020/2021 | 63.6 | 2.1 | 65.6 |
2019/2020 | 56.2 | 2.2 | 58.3 |
2018/2019 | 43.9 | 2.5 | 46.4 |
2017/2018 | 59.4 | 1.0 | 60.4 |
2016/2017 | 50.3 | 0.6 | 50.9 |
Total | 403.5 |
Getting Canadians out of Gaza
Top Line Messages
- Though our emergency response and further to the engagement of our missions across the region, Canada has facilitated the departure of over 850 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate families from Gaza since November 1st.
- Canadian officials have been meeting Canadians, PRs and their family members on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border to facilitate their crossing.
- From Rafah, they were transported to Cairo where they were provided with accommodation, food and medical care if required.
- Each of them were assisted with visa and travel preparation as required.
Supplementary Messages - Denials
- Canada puts forward names of Canadians, PRs and their eligible family members to the local authorities for approval but does not ultimately decide who can leave Gaza.
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ continues to advocate for the approval of Canadians, PRs and their eligible family members to leave Gaza as soon as possible.
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents currently in Gaza and wishing to leave should contact ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre to discuss their situation and needs.
Background
For a Canadian, PR, or immediate family member to be authorized to exit Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, their names must be submitted to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) for approval. This is a difficult process and names have had to be regularly resubmitted for approval after being denied. Canada continues to advocate for those who have not yet been approved to cross the Rafah border.
Since November 1, Canada has facilitated the departure of over 868 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members. 56 are still in Gaza but are not leaving for a variety of reasons (mobility, security, pending approval or awaiting the approval of other family members to cross).
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)
- Canada is committed to helping vulnerable Palestinians, including refugees whom UNRWA is mandated to serve.
- Canada resumed its funding to UNRWA on March 8, given the urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza and the significant processes taken to address allegations and reinforce zero tolerance against terrorism within the UN and UNRWA.
- Canada expects UNRWA to uphold UN values and humanitarian principles, including neutrality, in all activities.
Supplementary messages
- Canada is committed to ensuring full accountability, decisive action and the implementation of necessary reforms within UNRWA.
- Canada will continue to work closely with the UN, UNRWA, and other donor countries to ensure that UNRWA meets its obligations and can continue its lifesaving work.
- Canada and other donors have been briefed by the Secretary General on the interim report of the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). We look forward to the final report.
- UNRWA’s role is critical to address the current situation in Gaza, and is a lifeline to over 2 million Gazans currently impacted by the crisis. It is an indispensable actor, given its size, experience and networks, other humanitarian agencies rely on its infrastructure and logistical capabilities.
- No regularly scheduled payment that was intended to go to UNRWA was missed during the temporary pause.
Update
On January 26, in light of the alarming allegations made against 12 of UNRWA’s staff members being involved in the Hamas attacks of October 7, Canada suspended its support of additional funding to the Agency while the UN and the Agency examined these reports and commenced its investigation into these allegations.
On March 8, given the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the decisive action taken by the UN and UNRWA, Canada announced it would reinstate its funding to the Agency. The UN has put in place several significant processes to address the allegations and reinforce its zero tolerance for terror within the UN, including UNRWA.
Canada has reviewed the interim report of the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on this matter and looks forward to the final report. Canada commends the independent review of UNRWA currently underway, led by Catherine Colonna. While these investigative processes continue, UNRWA has undertaken reform efforts and the Secretary-General has taken steps to enhance oversight and accountability within UNRWA. Canada will continue to work closely with the UN, UNRWA, and other donor countries to ensure that UNRWA meets its obligations and can continue its lifesaving work.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Since resuming funding to UNRWA in 2016, Canada has contributed a total of: $258,900,000 to UNRWA.
- Since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, Canada has disbursed $20 to UNRWA against the UN Flash Appeal, to respond to immediate needs.
- Canada has committed $100M to UNRWA from 2023 through 2026 in support of objectives under UNRWA’s Programme Budget, including for resource mobilization and neutrality activities across West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
- Canada’s support helps more than half a million Palestinian children who rely on UNRWA for education services.
- UNRWA also delivers critical food or cash assistance to approximately 2 million beneficiaries, with a focus on the very poorest.
- Canadian funding reinforces UNRWA’s ongoing efforts on neutrality, including work by UNRWA staff to identify, monitor, and follow up on violations of this principle.
- Canada exercises enhanced due diligence for all international assistance funding for Palestinians, including funding for UNRWA.
- Canada ranked as 11th top donor to UNRWA in 2022.
Background
Since 1948, UNRWA has been the only UN organization mandated to provide basic services to over five million Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. UNRWA provides a broad range of services such as education, health, social safety net services such as basic food and shelter supplies. To deliver its programming in education, health and other essential services, UNRWA employs over 30,000 (including 13,000 in Gaza) men and women, the vast majority are Palestinian refugees themselves. Currently there is an estimate of over 3,000 staff in Gaza that are involved in the humanitarian operations.
Support for Sub-Saharan Africa
Top Line Messages
- Canada is broadening and deepening engagement with Africa and is undertaking efforts to develop a consolidated plan to guide Canada’s trade, investment, economic cooperation, international assistance, and foreign policy priorities in Africa.
- The enhanced engagement includes working together with African countries and institutions to reform international systems to better serve Canadian and African interests and improving conditions for economic cooperation.
- Canada’s international assistance remains central to our engagement with African countries and institutions. Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy commits 50% of bilateral international development assistance to Sub-Saharan African countries.
Supplementary Messages
- Canadian priorities in Africa include partnering to address issues on peace and security, democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as addressing significant development challenges. We are also committed to working with our African partners on new challenges in particular relating to climate change.
- We have registered the message from our Canadian and African interlocutors that Canada needs to broaden and deepen its engagement on the continent.
- In response, the Department has been engaged over several months in consultations with a variety of stakeholders inside and outside of Canada.
- The outcomes are informing the development of strategies and approaches for the near-term to enhance Canada’s engagement with Africa.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Our diplomatic and trade footprint in Africa includes 22 missions in Sub-Saharan Africa and 5 in North Africa, serving the 54 countries on the continent.
- Canada has 21 bilateral development programs and one regional development program in Africa. Canada provided $20.1 billion in international assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa from 2016 to 2023 distributed as follows:
- 2016/2017: 1.7B; 2017/2018: 2.3B; 2018/2019: 2.4B; 2019/2020: 2.4B; 2020/2021: 3.6B; 2021/2022: 3.6B and 2022/2023: 4B
- In 2022/2023 Canada provided 1.3B in funding to support health & sexual and reproductive health and rights; 763M to support growth that works for everyone, 401M on environment and climate action and 404M in humanitarian assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Background
GAC is refining its interests and priorities as it seeks effective ways of enhancing engagement on the continent. Strengthening relations with the African Union is one part of this wider engagement agenda. Working with African countries and institutions on items of shared interest within the G7 and G20 is another.
Engagement has also been bolstered by Minister of International Trade Mary Ng’s Mandate Letter, which refers to developing a strategic economic approach to Africa. Extensive consultations have been conducted in pursuit of this commitment. Complimenting these efforts has been Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Oliphant’s efforts over the past year to engage a variety of stakeholders, seeking views on how Canada can better engage countries on the African continent.
Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Congo (Monusco) Withdrawal
- Canada is concerned about the continued violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the escalation of tensions between the DRC and Rwanda and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including sexual and gender-based violence.
- We are worried about the current crisis in the DRC and the impact of insecurity on internal displacement, food security and we will continue to support international organizations and non-governmental organizations that provide vital assistance to meet the needs vulnerable and conflict-affected populations.
- Canada is deeply disturbed by the conclusions of the report of the United Nations group of experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo which confirms Rwanda's support to the M23 and the DRC's support to the FDLR and we will continue to encourage the parties to use diplomatic channels to resolve their disputes.
Supplementary Messages
- The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be fully respected.
- Canada is concerned about the humanitarian needs caused by conflict and insecurity in the DRC and will continue to support trusted partners, international and non-governmental organizations that provide vital assistance to meet the needs of vulnerable and conflict-affected populations.
Update
Canada is closely following the withdrawal of the MONUSCO in the DRC and remains concerned about the possible consequences of a too-rapid withdrawal of the mission. The protection of civilians, especially women and children, must remain a top priority in all relief efforts in the region. Continued collaboration with international and non-governmental organizations is essential to mitigate the impact of insecurity on internal displacement and food security in the country.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- In the DRC, Canada is committed to defending the rights of women and girls, promoting their sexual and reproductive health, and combating sexual and gender-based violence. Canada also supports democratic governance and the protection of children.
- In 2022-2023, Canadian international assistance to the DRC totalled $207 million, making it the 6th largest recipient of Canadian international assistance, and representing a 23% increase over 2021-2022.
- In 2022, Canada's official development assistance in humanitarian aid to the DRC totalled $51 million. Canada ranked as the 6th largest donor among OECD Development Assistance Committee members in the DRC.
- Canada contributed $986 million to the DRC between 2016/17 and 2022/23.
- MINE travelled to DRC in April 2024 to visit development projects and meet with international partners and representatives of the Congolese government. Congolese PSE travelled to DRC in January 2024 for the presidential inauguration. In May 2023, DME also travelled to the DRC.
- Canada currently deploys 17 police officers in the DRC (and can deploy up to 25) and eight members of the Canadian armed forces (CAF).
Background
Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have increased since May 2022. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, a Tutsi rebel military group based in eastern DRC, while Rwanda accuses the DRC of supporting the Democratic Forces of Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed Hutu rebel group based in eastern DRC. The United Nations’s most recent December 2023 report contains evidence of Rwanda's support for the M23 and the DRC’s support for the FDLR. Tensions have intensified in recent weeks amid notable M23 advances. In February 2024, protests linked to frustrations at perceived lack of reaction of the international community toward the deteriorating security situation in the east erupted in Kinshasa and targeted Western embassies, and MONUSCO staff and vehicles. The Canadian Embassy and its staff were not targeted. Dialogue appears to be open again with the announcement on March 12, 2024, of a possible meeting between the presidents of DRC and Rwanda under the Luanda peace process, at a date yet to be disclosed.
Some of the Funding Announced for DRC
- ($4,85 M, 2023 – 2028)
Announced at Women Deliver Conference 2023 (20.07.2023)
Description: The project aims to increase women’s and girls’ bodily autonomy by expanding access to information and services related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to safe abortion care. Ipas DRC will work with government and community partners in the provinces of Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Haut Katanga, Tanganyika and Kinshasa to translate the enabling legal and policy framework into improved access to quality abortion care. The project aims to improve women’s ability to make safe reproductive choices that support their educational and career goals, which makes a significant contribution to greater gender equality in the DRC.
- ($15 M, 2023 – 2028)
(10.09.2023)
Description: Beans for Women for Empowerment (Beans4Women) aims to strengthen gender equality, agency in decision-making, and resource rights of women and girls active in the bean sector in three conflict-prone provinces in Eastern DRC (North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika). The initiative aims to support food security by strengthening bean sector value chains, increasing the incomes of smallholder women and enabling them to make a living from their own land and thus enable them to better meet the challenge of nutritional security for themselves and their children.
- ($10 M, 2023 – 2026)
(10.09.2023)
Description: The Women in Action project aims to increase climate change adaptation among vulnerable girls and women in the agricultural and forestry sectors in Sud- and Nord-Kivu, with benefits in terms of the conservation and restoration of forest biodiversity.
Annex 1
Canada's International Assistance to Democratic Republic of Congo FY2016/2017 - 2022/2023
(figures in $ millions)
Notes:
- Includes aid to (core funding) and through multilateral organizations.
- Includes international assistance from all departments, provinces, and municipalities.
Source: Statistical Reports on International Assistance
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 143.55 | 63.16 | 206.71 |
2021/2022 | 135.27 | 32.73 | 168.31 |
2020/2021 | 110.58 | 10.44 | 121.02 |
2019/2020 | 137.23 | 13.26 | 150.49 |
2018/2019 | 119.45 | 15.86 | 135.31 |
2017/2018 | 100.43 | 12.33 | 112.76 |
2016/2017 | 77.16 | 14.55 | 91.71 |
Total | 873.55 |
Canada’s International Assistance to Ethiopia
- Canada’s third-largest international assistance program,
$250.7 M in 2022/23 across all funding streams. - Bilateral assistance is focused on gender equality; health, including, sexual and reproductive health and rights; climate change; economic growth; and food security. It is complemented by humanitarian assistance and peace and security programming.
- Nearly 16 million in Ethiopia are experiencing severe food insecurity, as a result of conflict or climate-related shocks.
Supplementary Message
- Canada’s continuing support to social safety nets has helped increase almost 9 million peoples’ resilience to climate shocks and stresses.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Ethiopia is among the world’s poorest countries, ranking 175 out of 191 countries in the 2023 Human Development Index.
- Ethiopia suffers from among the lowest gender equality (GE) indicators in the world, where 23% of women and girls suffer high rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
- Approximately 32.4 million Ethiopians live on $2.15 USD or less per day.
- 8 million people across Ethiopia are experiencing a severe food supply gap.
- Ongoing conflicts across the country continue to increase humanitarian needs and reverse development achievements in health, education, and the private sector.
- Across all funding streams in international assistance, Canada provided $207M in 2021/22, $215.6M in 2020/21, $175.9M in 2019/20, $203.2M in 2018/19, and $198.1M in 2017/18.
- In 2022/23, Canada announced $109 million in funding for projects focused primarily on health and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- In 2023, Canada allocated $55.2 million to humanitarian assistance to the UN, Red Cross/Red Crescent, and NGO partners.
- In addition to development and humanitarian programming, Canada has funded peace and security projects, for example in mediation, support to women peacebuilders, and dialogue to facilitate social cohesion.
Background
The conflicts in northern Ethiopia and insecurity in several other regions have resulted in high numbers of civilian casualties, long-term disruption of essential services, displacement, and a reversal of development gains. An estimated 3.1 million Ethiopians have been internally displaced.
Chronic food insecurity and malnutrition remain some of Ethiopia’s greatest development challenges. Severe food insecurity and acute malnutrition can also be found across Ethiopia because of humanitarian crises.
Canada’s humanitarian funding helps provide food, treatment for acute malnutrition and other critical health care, access to clean water and sanitation, emergency shelter and essential household items, and protection services to those in need.
Canada provides significant support to advance GE and the empowerment of women and girls. This includes programs on SRHR and SGBV. Funded projects are combating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), and early, forced, and child marriage; as well as facilitating access to contraception and abortion services.
Canada is also investing in inclusive economic growth to support smallholder farmers and medium and small enterprises in diverse sectors. This includes access to finance and business development services to generate sustainable employment for women and girls.
Canada does not provide, and has never provided, direct budget support to the Government of Ethiopia.
Support for Sudan
Top Line Messages
- Canada is deeply concerned by the humanitarian impacts of the conflict in Sudan, which is facing the word’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 8.6 million people forcibly displaced.
- On April 12, Canada announced $132.2 million in funding to address urgent needs in Sudan and its neighbouring countries, including $100.7 million for humanitarian assistance and $31.5 million for development assistance.
- Canada has consistently called for all parties to respect international humanitarian law. An immediate cessation of hostilities and the meaningful inclusion of civilians in mediation efforts is essential.
Supplementary Messages
- On April 15, Canada new sanctions measures, under the Special Economic Measures Act, on specific individuals and entities for their role in undermining peace, security and stability in Sudan.
- Canada is committed to pursuing accountability and fighting impunity in Sudan, including by engaging at the UN Human Rights Council.
Update
On April 15, Minister Ahmed Hussen attended the humanitarian conference for Sudan and its neighbouring countries in Paris, during which he reiterated Canada’s of $132.2 million in funding to Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Sudan is among the top five hunger hotspots in the world, with approximately 17.7 million people (about 40% of the population) in food insecurity crisis, and at risk of famine. Hostilities and bureaucratic impediments continue to hamper humanitarian access in critical parts of the country. The Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan projects a total of 2.7 million people will be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024. This includes up to 1.4 million people displaced into Chad, 537,000 into South Sudan, and the rest into Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic. There is a proliferation of actors attempting to negotiate a ceasefire and/or develop broader mechanisms for mediation towards an eventual return to a civilian-led transition to democracy, with little success.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- In 2023, Canada allocated over $170 million in humanitarian assistance funding to the UN, Red Cross, and NGO partners in Sudan and neighbouring countries impacted by the conflict in Sudan.
- In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Canada’s bilateral development assistance in Sudan totalled $49.43 million in funding and was delivered through multilateral organizations and Canadian civil society partners working with local NGOs.
- Canada’s development assistance to Sudan is currently focused on responding to critical needs related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, sexual and gender-based violence, and education in emergencies.
- Canada is also supporting civilians and civil society organizations to engage in political dialogue and to mitigate the impact of the conflict.
- Since 2016-17, Canada has allocated approximately $450 million in international assistance to Sudan.
Background
On April 15, 2023, a direct confrontation began between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group. Hostilities have resulted in more than 12,000 civilian fatalities, extensive damage to critical infrastructure and the near collapse of banking and financial services. There have been credible reports of the widespread use of ethnic and sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war—particularly against women and girls.
Tigray Humanitarian Assistance
Top Line Messages
- Canada is concerned by the grave humanitarian needs facing Ethiopia, including those arising from the ongoing impact of the recent conflict in Tigray.
- In 2023, Canada provided more than $55 million in humanitarian funding to partners operating throughout Ethiopia.
- In 2024, we will continue to provide humanitarian support for Ethiopia, allowing our partners to prioritize based on greatest needs.
Supplementary Messages
- Canada provides largely flexible humanitarian funding, through UN agencies, the Red Cross, and NGOs, to allow its partners to prioritize their response to where needs are greatest.
- Canada was troubled to learn of diversion of humanitarian aid in Ethiopia in 2023 and has been working closely with its partners to help mitigate against future diversion, in these contexts and others.
Background
Humanitarian Situation: Current estimates show that 21.4 million people in Ethiopia will require humanitarian assistance in 2024, due to conflict or climate-related events. This includes 15.8 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity. At least 3.27 million of these are in Tigray, which is still feeling the impact of the conflict from November 2020 to November 2022, as well as drought conditions in 2023 and 2024.
Since late 2023, many media outlets have reported on severe food insecurity and a growing fear of famine in Tigray. While the data currently available does not indicate that the technical threshold for famine has been met, there is consensus amongst humanitarian actors that food insecurity in Tigray (and several other regions) is dire, requiring an urgent scale-up of assistance.
For 2024, the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Ethiopia is seeking USD 3.24 billion to meet the needs of 15.5 million people throughout the country. Food needs represent approximately 48% of the total.
Canadian Humanitarian Assistance: In 2023, Canada provided humanitarian funding for Ethiopia totaling $55.2 million to UN agencies, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and NGOs (see Annex).
Canada provides funding to WFP, UNICEF, OCHA, and the ICRC to address humanitarian needs in the country, including in Tigray. This funding is provided at the country level, rather than being earmarked for specific regions, to allow these partners to flexibly address the greatest needs based on up to date assessments.
Two NGO partners – International Medical Corps (IMC) and World Vision (WV) – received GAC funding in 2023 for projects in Tigray. IMC is providing medical services in Western Tigray. WV is assisting conflict-affected populations in Afar, Amhara, and Tigray with safe water & sanitation, nutrition support, and protection services.
So far in 2024, GAC has allocated $30.7 million in humanitarian funding for Ethiopia. This funding envelope was announced on 12 April 2024 in relation to the crisis in Sudan. However, details of the funding are not finalized.
Aid Diversion: 2023 was marked by the discovery of widespread diversion of humanitarian assistance in Tigray and other regions of Ethiopia, causing WFP to temporarily suspend and review its operations in the country. Canada is working with WFP and other partners to ensure that measures are in place to safeguard Canada’s funding and ensure beneficiaries receive the intended assistance.
Annex: Supporting Facts and Figures
Canada’s Humanitarian Funding for Ethiopia
Partner | 2023 | 2024 (to date) |
---|---|---|
OCHA | $0.35M | $0.4M |
UNFPA | - | $0.805M |
UNHCR | $3M | |
UNICEF | $3M | |
WFP | $18M | |
Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund | $14.75M | $7M |
ICRC | $2.8M | $2.5M |
Canadian Red Cross Society | $0.08M | |
Action Against Hunger | $1.75M | $1.45M |
CARE | $2.25M | |
Canadian Foodgrains Bank | $1.8M | |
Humanitarian Coalition | $0.815M | |
International Medical Corps | $2.5M | |
Save the Children | $1.6M | |
World Vision | $2.5M | |
Total: | $55.195M | $12.155M |
Canada’s Total Humanitarian Assistance in Ethiopia, 2016-2023
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$32.9M | $20.7M | $26.7M | $21.7M | $24.0M | $43.3M | $65.8M | $55.2M |
Support for Mali
Top Line Messages
- In response to the coups d’État, Canada suspended direct financial assistance and has since restricted technical assistance to the government of Mali.
- Canada continues to engage pragmatically and to support the most vulnerable Malians, especially women and girls, in health, education and nutrition.
Supplementary messages
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ suspended the planning of new bilateral cooperation projects with Mali, in response to the presence of Russian mercenaries in the country, increased insecurity, repeated delays in restoring constitutional order, and unpunished human rights violations (such as the Moura massacre conducted by Malian armed forces and foreign military personnel in March 2022).
- Gains linked to the empowerment of women and girls and access to basic social services (health, including sexual and reproductive services, food security and education) contribute to improving stability in Mali.
- In May 2023, Canada announced a new development Sahel regional program to foster stability in the Sahel and Coastal West Africa, including in Mali.
Update
The departure of the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Fall 2023 at the request of the Malian authorities has contributed to worsening insecurity and increasing human rights abuses and sexual and gender-based violence. The Transitional authorities’ unilateral decision in January 2024 to end the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali (Algiers Accords) threatens to further destabilize the region and reverse progress made towards justice and reparation for Malian men and women impacted by the crisis. Mali’s recent decision to withdraw its membership from the Economic Community of West African States, along with Niger and Burkina Faso, signals growing isolationism. Potential economic and social repercussions include higher food prices, loss of trade-related livelihoods, and further challenges for Malian refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- In 2022, 45.4% of the Malian population lived below the poverty line.
- Over 40% of the population (8.8 million) will require humanitarian assistance in 2024.
- Mali ranks 186th out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index (2022).
- In 2022-23, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ’ programming included humanitarian, development (health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, nutrition, economic growth, women empowerment, girls' education and inclusive governance), counterterrorism, and peace and security.
- According to preliminary data, Canada contributed $900 million in international assistance to Mali between 2016-2017 and 2022-2023:
International assistance to Mali (in $ millions) | 2016-2017 | 2017-2018 | 2018-2019 | 2019-2020 | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ | 120.95 | 128.96 | 131.59 | 111.30 | 125.99 | 98.90 | 113.06 |
Total Canada | 125.58 | 136.41 | 139.93 | 125.14 | 133.10 | 111.80 | 128.24 |
Background
Canada has been working in Mali since 1972. Over the last 10 years, Canada contributed to reducing inequalities between women/girls and men/boys in accessing basic health services, education, and justice. The rate of assisted births by qualified personnel increased from 26% in 2012 to 42% in 2019. Canada contributed to reducing food insecurity, malnutrition, and gender-based violence throughout the country. Canada is one of the major players in local irrigation and agricultural production, with initiatives approximating $100 million over the last decade. Canada helps improving girls’ access to quality education and supports education and vocational training for displaced and conflict-affected populations, notably for the G7 Charlevoix Education Initiative. The last bilateral project approved for Mali was in February 2022.
Assistance to China
Top Line Messages
- Based on Gross National Income per capita, China is eligible for official development assistance (ODA) under the OECD-DAC definition. As such, all of Canada’s bilateral programming in the country is categorized as ODA, even if the funding does not come from the International Assistance Envelope.
- In 2021-22, Canada’s China-related international assistance totalled $7.59 million, of which $4.63 million was channelled through multilateral institutions and $2.96 million through bilateral expenditures.
- Canada’s multilateral assistance is channelled through multilateral development banks, which make up most of Canada’s expenditures in China.
- Bilateral expenditures primarily fund the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
- All Canadian development assistance activities are carried out strictly per Canadian interests, values and standards.
Supplementary Messages
Responsive: Funding going to the Government of China?
- Canada has not provided direct bilateral assistance to Chinese state authorities since 2013, though continues to provide small amounts of funding to international partners and non-state partners on the ground.
- As part of Canada’s commitment to promote sustainable development worldwide, Canada is a shareholder of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). China is also a shareholder and can access non-concessional development financing if the institutional eligibility criteria are met.
- Canada and China are shareholders of two MDBs in which China is eligible for development assistance: the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank. (Note: Canada and China are also members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Banks (AIIB), but Canada’s participation in this institution is currently frozen)
- Well-established standards, rules and norms govern these multilateral development banks. (Note: See annexe 2 for the full list of Canada’s multilateral international assistance project to China)
Responsive: Objectives of Canada’s International Assistance in China
- Canada’s bilateral funding promotes key foreign policy priorities in China, including human rights, gender equality, sustainable development and climate change.
- Canada’s multilateral funding promotes sustainable development in developing countries worldwide, including China.
Responsive: Canada’s participation in the AIIB
- The Department of Finance is responsible for the AIIB and would be best placed to answer specific questions regarding this institution.
- As of June 2023, Canada has halted all of its activities at the AIIB, following serious allegations from a former Canadian employee.
- Canada is reviewing both the allegations raised and Canada’s involvement in the AIIB.
Background
Canada’s bilateral development assistance program to China began in 1981 and ended in 2013, though Canada continues to provide small amounts of bilateral assistance to international and non-state local actors.
China remains an eligible ODA recipient under the OECD eligibility criteria. Therefore, some of Canada’s funding to multilateral development banks and Canada’s bilateral programming qualifies as ODA. In 2021-22, Canada’s international assistance to China totalled $7.59 million: $2.96 million in bilateral spending and $4.63 million in multilateral spending. Bilateral projects included the following:
The China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) ($1,496,480): The CCICED is an international advisory body that provides research-based policy recommendations on environmental and development issues. Canadian funding support costs associated with the Annual General Meeting in Beijing, including Canada’s participation in the event, and with the International Secretariat in Winnipeg. It does not support the Chinese Secretariat or China’s participation in the CCICED. Lead: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) ($798,865): The CFLI provides modest funding for small-scale, high-impact projects implemented by non-state local organisations that offer local populations direct social, economic, or technical assistance. It pursues objectives such as promoting good governance, human rights and environmental sustainability. Lead: ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ (GAC)
International Scholarship Programme ($167,200): Both Canada and China contribute to the funding of the Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program. GAC’s portion is disbursed via the Canadian Bureau for International Education. For Chinese scholars coming to Canada, Canadian funding covers the monthly allowance for Chinese recipients—this is distributed and spent in Canada. China covers flights to and from Canada. For Canadian scholars going to China, Canada offers plane tickets while China pays for tuition fees, insurance, and housing, and provides a monthly allowance. Lead: Canadian Bureau for International Education
Partnership for Evidence and Equity in Responsive Social Systems (PEERSS) ($117,056): Between 2018 and 2023, the initiative supported organisations in 13 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia to increase the uptake of evidence in health and social policymaking. It helped develop a standard reporting guideline for evidence briefs aimed at policymakers to be used across all PEERSS-participating organizations. Lead: International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Quebec International Scholarship Program ($376,668): Under the Québec-China scholarships program, Quebec offers 19 tuition fees exemption to Chinese students registered full-time in a program leading to an undergraduate university degree offered in the province, as well as scholarships for doctoral research and postdoctoral internships. Quebec contributes up to $500,000 annually to this program. In return, Beijing offers 15 full scholarships for short‑term internships or university studies in China, which includes tuitions fees, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly living allowance. (Note: As of 2022-23, this scholarship is no longer appears under China in the CFO-Stats country sheet as Quebec now only reports this initiative at the regional level). Lead: Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports
Multilateral Partners:
Asian Development Bank (ADB): Canada is a founding member of ADB and is currently the 7th largest shareholder (2nd non-regional after the US), owning 5.23% of ADB’s capital subscription. The ADB’s five largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (15.6% each), China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%). The Minister of International Development is Canada’s Governor to the ADB. As China transits to high-income status and approaches the point of graduation from ADB’s assistance, ADB operations will focus on three main strategic priorities: environmentally sustainable development; climate change adaptation and mitigation; as well as an aging society and health security.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Banks (AIIB): As the lead on AIIB, questions should be directed to Finance Canada. Canada owns 1% of AIIB, which has adopted the operating framework, governance structures and best practices of similar longstanding MDBs and includes as members Australia, France, Germany and the UK. Many of the AIIB’s active projects are co-funded with other multilateral development banks and are accordingly governed by well-established rules and norms. In June 2014, Minister Freeland announced that it freeze all government-led activities in the AIIB after a former employee expressed serious concern about whether Canada’s interests are served by its AIIB membership, adding that the Communist party dominated the bank. The Department of Finance, working with partners across the federal government, including Canada’s national security agencies, are reviewing AIIB investments, as well as its governance and management frameworks.
Annexe 1
Canadian Aid/Funding to the PRC FY 2021-22
Bilateral $ | Programme | Department | IAE? | ODA? | Recipient Partner | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$1,496,480 | China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development | ECCC | Yes | Yes | China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development | ECCC assumed responsibility for funding CCICED in the 2022-2023 fiscal year. |
$798,865 | CFLI | GAC | Yes | Yes | Various | |
$167,200 | International Scholarship Programme | GAC | No | Yes | Canadian Bureau for International Education | |
$117,056 | Partnership for Evidence and Equity in Responsive Social Systems (PEERSS) | IDRC | Yes | Yes | International Development Research Centre and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation | |
$376,668 | Quebec International scholarship program | Quebec | No | Yes | Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS) |
Annexe 2
Canada’s Multilateral International Assistance to China by Project
Departments and Agencies | Project Number | Project title | Recipient Organization | 2021-2022on |
---|---|---|---|---|
P002031001 | United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) - Institutional Support 2018-2021 | UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund | $92,084 | |
P002032001 | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) - Institutional Support 2018-2021 | UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund | $133,929 | |
P002441001 | Seventh Replenishment (2018-2022) - Global Environment Facility (GEF) | GEF - Global Environmental Facility | $3,979,626 | |
P005005005 | Canada’s assessed contribution to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | $0 | |
P005006005 | Canada’s assessed contribution to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | $20,193 | |
P005012005 | Canada’s assessed contribution to the International Labour Organization (ILO) | ILO - International Labour Organization | $84,382 | |
P005028005 | Canada’s assessed contribution to the World Health Organization (WHO) | WHO - World Health Organization | $61,706 | |
P007836001 | UNHCR - Institutional Support - 2020 - 2023 | UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees | $82,628 | |
P009026001 | Asian Development Bank - 12th Replenishment of the Asian Development Fund 2021-2024 | Asian Development Bank | $74,256 | |
P009944001 | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Institutional Support 2021 | UNDP - United Nations Development Programme | $42,227 | |
P011117002 | Payment of assessed contribution to International Atomic Energy Agency regular budget 2022 | International Atomic Energy Agency | $35,152 | |
P011118001 | International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Cooperation Fund 2022 | IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency | $24,243 | |
Total | $4,630,639 |
Annex 3
Canada's International Assistance to China, FY 2003/2004 - 2022/2023
(figures in $ millions)
Notes:
- Includes aid to (core funding) and through multilateral organizations.
- Includes international assistance from all departments, provinces, and municipalities.
Source: Statistical Reports on International Assistance
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 10.78 | 2.17 | 12.95 |
2021/2022 | 5.60 | 2.00 | 7.60 |
2020/2021 | 5.35 | 1.90 | 7.25 |
2019/2020 | 4.79 | 2.19 | 6.98 |
2018/2019 | 12.68 | 28.34 | 41.02 |
2017/2018 | 3.99 | 3.08 | 7.07 |
2016/2017 | 5.89 | 3.31 | 9.20 |
2015/2016 | 11.71 | 5.13 | 16.84 |
2014/2015 | 12.43 | 5.85 | 18.28 |
2013/2014 | 18.92 | 4.32 | 23.24 |
2012/2013 | 24.56 | 8.95 | 33.51 |
2011/2012 | 28.23 | 6.08 | 34.31 |
2010/2011 | 30.32 | 2.81 | 33.13 |
2009/2010 | 35.98 | 7.98 | 43.96 |
2008/2009 | 79.02 | 5.07 | 84.09 |
2007/2008 | 50.26 | 5.36 | 55.62 |
2006/2007 | 45.15 | -9.44 | 35.71 |
2005/2006 | 59.76 | -4.36 | 55.40 |
2004/2005 | 57.66 | 3.17 | 60.83 |
2003/2004 | 49.84 | 8.21 | 58.05 |
Total | 645.04 |
Uyghurs
Top Line Messages
- Canada is gravely concerned at systematic violations of human rights in China against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims.
- Credible reports, from UN bodies; from international human rights organizations; and from victims; indicate that Uyghurs in Xinjiang have been targeted for repression because of their ethnicity and because they are Muslim.
Supplementary Messages
- Mosques across China have faced destruction under a program of Sinicization, that aims to restrict religious freedom and make worship compliant with Chinese Communist Party objectives.
- State run forced labour programs continue to target ethnic Uyghurs, relocating them to factories across China, breaking up families and destroying communities.
- Uyghur children in Xinjiang continue to be forcibly placed in residential schools, where the curriculum prioritizes the Mandarin language and fails to encourage Uyghur language, culture and religion.
- Canada is still dealing with the intergenerational harm caused by past policies that separated indigenous children from their parents and placed them in residential schools.
- Canada continues to urge China not to repeat Canada’s past mistakes, and to recognize the harm that its current policies are inflicting on ethnic and religious minorities in China.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- In March 2021, one entity and four individuals are sanctioned under SEMA for their roles in the mass arbitrary detention, torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, mass surveillance and forced labour of Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities in the XUAR, which amount to participation in gross and systematic human rights violations in the region.
- In 2022, Minister Joly issues a statement of support for the UN Assessment of the Situation of Human Rights in Xinjiang.
- In 2023, Canada supported a joint statement, of 50 countries at the UN Third Committee expressing concern over human rights violations against Uyghurs in China. Canada previously supported such statements in 2022 and 2021.
- In 2023, Parliament unanimously adopted private members’ motion M-62, which called for the resettlement of 10,000 vulnerable Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims to Canada.
- In response to reports of Uyghur forced labour in Xinjiang, in January 2021, Canada in coordination with international partners, adopted seven measures to address the risk that goods from any country produced using forced labour from any country entering Canadian and global supply chains.
- The Minister of Labour has committed to bringing in legislation in 2024 that would stop goods produced through forced labour from entering Canada.
Background
In 2017, reports of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation for Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities began emerging from China’s Western Province of Xinjiang. These reports included disappearances, the use of arbitrary detention, forced labor, torture, forced sterilizations, and the mass incarceration of ethnic and religious minorities in “re-education camps.” As many as 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities were detained in the camps in 2018, according to estimates by the UN. On February 22, 2021, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion declaring China’s action in Xinjiang a “genocide”.
In light of the gravity of the allegations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) visited the region in June 2022 and released an assessment in August. The assessment found that serious human rights violations have been committed in Xinjiang and that the extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity.
China retaliated to Canadian sanctions by imposing sanctions on MPs (including Michael Chong) from the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Falun Gong Practitioners
Top Line Messages
- Human Rights will continue to play a fundamental role in the Government of Canada’s engagement with China.
- We share the concern of all parliamentarians regarding China’s treatment of Falun Gong and other religious and ethnic minorities.
- The Government of Canada will continue to call on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, as well as freedom of religion or belief for all individuals.
Supplementary Messages
- Canada has both publicly and privately voiced concerns with China about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minorities and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners.
- Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide.
- In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-chaired by Canada and the United States.
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ will continue its ongoing contact with Falun Gong practitioners to discuss.
Background
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) initiated a campaign in 1999 to eliminate the spiritual practice of Falun Gong in China. It is characterized by a multifaceted propaganda campaign, a program of enforced ideological conversion and re-education and a variety of extralegal coercive measures such as reportedly arbitrary arrests, forced labor and physical torture, sometimes resulting in death.
In October 2023 Falun Gong advocates in Canada released a report detailing PRC activities against Falun Gong here in Canada. The report contains reports of PRC propaganda and lobbying undermining Falun Gong’s reputation as well as PRC’s intimidation of Falun Gong practitioners.
Falun Gong is a modern qigong discipline combining slow-moving exercises and meditation with a moral philosophy centered on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. It was founded by Li Hongzhi, who introduced it to the public in May 1992 in Changchun, Jilin. Following a period of rapid growth in the 1990s, the Communist Party launched a campaign to "eradicate" Falun Gong on 20 July 1999.
An extra-constitutional body called the 6-10 Office was created to lead the persecution of Falun Gong. The authorities mobilized the state media apparatus, judiciary, police, army, the education system, families and workplaces against the group. The campaign was driven by large-scale propaganda through television, newspaper, radio and Internet. There are reports of systematic torture, illegal imprisonment, forced labour, organ harvesting and abusive psychiatric internments, with the apparent aim of forcing practitioners to recant their belief in Falun Gong.
Foreign observers estimate that hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in "re-education through labor" camps, prisons and other detention facilities for refusing to renounce the spiritual practice. Former prisoners have reported that Falun Gong practitioners consistently received "the longest sentences and worst treatment" in labor camps, and in some facilities, Falun Gong practitioners formed the substantial majority of the detainees.
Tibet Development
Top Line Messages
- GAC’s “Enhancing Education for Tibetan Youth” (EETY) project provides $6.2M over six years to help Tibetan youth living in Nepal and India access post-secondary education.
- Beneficiaries consist of 64 schools - 54 in India and 10 in Nepal - with a student enrollment of more than 15K students equally boys and girls.
- Canada continues to call on China to address the grave human rights concerns in Tibet raised by UN human rights bodies and experts.
Supplementary Messages
- Due to Covid, the five-year Enhancing Education for Tibetan Youth Project which started in 2019 has been extended an extra year, it will now sunset at the end of FY 2025. The most recent disbursement for FY 2023-24 was just over $887K.
- It should be noted that Canada does not have a Bilateral Development Program (i.e. provide ODA) in China, India, or Nepal.
- Canada shares the concerns raised by UN Human Rights bodies and experts about China’s colonial boarding schools for Tibetan school children.
- Canada continues to call on China to address the recommendations raised by general UN human rights mechanisms and experts on this issue.
Update
Project Description: The Implementing Partner for the Enhancing Education for Tibetan Youth Project (EETY) project is Alinea International in partnership with the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Authority in Dharamshala, India. The EETY aims to improve the educational attainment levels of Tibetan youth living in Nepal and India and improve gainful employment opportunities. EETY activities include: (1) technical training, mentoring and pilot programs as well as small grants and scholarships targeting girls; and (2) to mitigate the effects of COVID (i.e. 22 months of school closures) through a mixture of technical support, coaching, provision of supplies and improved internet. The expected outcomes for EETY include: (1) an improved home and school environment, including through parental participation and other support for girls’ and boys’ academic pursuits; (2) increased adoption of effective gender-responsive teaching practices at target schools; and (3) improved school planning and management practices.
Supporting Facts And Figures (Disbursements)
- FY 2019-20: $831,203 FY 2020-21: $1,169,307
- FY 2021-22: $1,195,359 FY 2022-23: $500,302
- FY 2023-24: $887,649 TOTAL (to date): $4,583,821
Background
In 2022, the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies and UN Special Procedures examined various reports on China’s vast system of “colonial boarding schools” inside Tibet. They collectively confirmed the details and amplified the findings. Up to one million Tibetan school children were separated from their parents and placed into these schools. In February 2023, three UN Special Rapporteurs (i.e. Minority Issues, Right to Education, and Field of Cultural Rights) wrote “We are very disturbed that in recent years the residential school system for Tibetan children appears to act as a mandatory large-scale programme intended to assimilate Tibetans into majority Han culture”. In May 2023, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) used the same language in raising concerns / criticizing the PRC over its “coercive residential schools’ system and called for them to be abolished”. The CESCR described the schools as “the large-scale campaign to eradicate Tibetan culture and language” while CEDAW describes “the devastating impacts this is having on the culture, religion, and language”.
Support for Rohingya and those impacted by ongoing violence in Myanmar
Top Line Messages
- Canada is concerned about worsening violence and armed conflict, including attacks by the regime against civilians, and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and the protracted Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh.
- Since the 2021 coup, Canada has levelled nine rounds of sanctions against the Myanmar military regime and continues to work with international partners to advocate for rights for marginalized and conflict-affected populations, including the Rohingya people.
- Canada is playing a leadership role in response to the Myanmar and Rohingya crises and dedicated $288.3 million over three years (2021-2024) to help support the rights and longer-term needs of Rohingya refugees, their Bangladeshi host communities, and crisis-affected populations in Myanmar.
Supplementary Messages
- There has been an increased use of airstrikes by the military against civilians, underscoring the military regime’s responsibility for crisis and instability in Myanmar, and its disregard for its obligations to protect civilians.
- Canada will continue to work with the UN, and other international partners to develop and advance peaceful solutions to the interlinked and complex crises in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
- Justice is imperative to building lasting peace and reconciliation. Canada continues to support efforts to end impunity and ensure accountability for crimes perpetrated by the regime, including against the Rohingya and other communities.
- Conditions in Myanmar do not permit the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees, including the one million Rohingya refugees who live in Bangladesh.
- Canada is committed to working with international partners to help ensure that Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh live in safety and with dignity.
- The situation of Rohingya, the world’s largest group of stateless people, is critical. International attention and funding are increasingly divided across multiple ongoing conflicts, crises, and emergencies.
- Canada supports ASEAN’s efforts to address this crisis. We regret the regime’s continued intransigence and refusal to genuinely engage on the ASEAN peace plan (5-Point Consensus).
Update
Since the coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the military regime has failed to fully consolidate its power, and violent resistance and armed conflict has grown. Myanmar is now close to failed state status and economic collapse, reversing previous democratic and economic gains with serious regional implications, and diminished prospects for any safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of the displaced Rohingya people. Across the border in Bangladesh, in the seventh year of the Rohingya crisis, Rohingya refugees live in increasingly difficult conditions. Dwindling international attention and donor funding, has a direct impact on the lives of refugees, who are entirely reliant on insufficient international assistance for necessities like food, water, and shelter.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- More than 960,000 registered Rohingya refugees live in continued crisis in Bangladesh. The vast majority are women and children, and more than 40% per cent are under age 12 and more than 50% under age 18. They face disease outbreaks, malnutrition, inadequate education, growing violence, and risks of exploitation, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and child labour.
- With difficult living conditions and little chance at a dignified future, Rohingya refugees are increasingly fleeing to other countries across the region. In 2023, some 4,500 Rohingya people fled by boat, 569 of whom died or went missing at sea.
- In Myanmar, there are more than 2.7 million displaced people and 18.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
- Canada’s first Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh dedicated $300 million from 2018 to 2021 to ease the crisis facing Rohingya in Bangladesh and Myanmar. The second phase of the dedicated $288.3 million from 2021 to 2024. This included$83 million for development programming in Myanmar, $145 million for development projects to support Rohingya refugees and impacted host communities in Bangladesh, and $24 million for Peace and Stabilizations Operations programming in Myanmar.
- In 2023, Canada provided over $25 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh and Myanmar, which includes funding in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha in May 2023.
- Canada has filed a joint declaration of intervention on November 15 with key partners in the case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the Genocide Convention.
Background
In August 2017, following the Myanmar military’s attacks against the Rohingya minority, some 727,000 fled to Bangladesh, joining hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who fled previous targeted violence over past decades. Now, one million Rohingya live in extremely difficult conditions in Bangladesh, concentrated in the world’s largest and most congested refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar district. The influx of refugees has also impacted host communities, depressing wages for day labourers, and increasing competition for resources and services, including access to health care. Roughly, 600,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar, where they continue to face systematic discrimination, limiting their access to essential services, freedom of movement, pathways to citizenship, and livelihood opportunities.
On February 1, 2021, the military forces of Myanmar deposed the civilian government, arresting the democratically elected civilian leadership, protesters, journalists, and pro-democracy activists. The regime responded brutally to protests and opposition, elements of which have now become armed. The regime has failed to fully consolidate power, and violent resistance has grown, pushing Myanmar close to failed state status and economic collapse, reversing previous democratic and economic gains. People’s Defense Forces have been formed locally throughout the country and are engaging in guerilla style fighting against the regime; meanwhile, Ethnic Armed Organizations continue decades-long conflicts with the regime forces. Political opposition has crystallized around a National Unity Government, which has formed a shadow government and is vying for international recognition, recently moving from political into armed resistance.
Since the outset of the Rohingya crisis, Canada has been a leader internationally in responding to the needs of the Rohingya people. Canada has worked to encourage positive political developments in Myanmar; ensure accountability for the crimes committed; enhance international cooperation; and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Canada’s first Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh (2018-2021) dedicated $300 million to ease the crisis facing Rohingya people. The second phase of its to respond to the Rohingya and Myanmar crises dedicated $288.3 million over three years (2021-2024). Canada is considering next steps following on the March 31, 2024 end of its current strategy.
Canada continues to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance to support the needs in Myanmar, including the Rohingya people, and to support the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh. In 2023, Canada provided over $25 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh and Myanmar, including funding in response to Cyclone Mocha, which made landfall in Myanmar in May 2023, near the Rakhine State capital, Sittwe. Of the 3.4 million people in the high impact area of the cyclone, 1.6 million need humanitarian assistance. This includes 1.1 million people who were already in humanitarian need prior to the cyclone, but now have new or more severe needs. In response to the Cyclone, Canada provided emergency life-saving assistance to trusted humanitarian assistance partners, providing an additional $4 million in Myanmar and $1 million to the impacted refugee response in Bangladesh.
Canada has had a sanctions regime in place against Myanmar since 2007. Two rounds of new sanctions were put in place following the 2017 Rohingya Crisis. Since the coup, Canada announced a further nine rounds of sanctions as part of our commitment to support democracy and end impunity in Myanmar. These sanctions include an arms embargo, a prohibition on the export, sale, supply, shipment or shipping insurance of aviation fuel to the Myanmar military regime, and a dealings ban on listed persons, targeting both entities and individuals.
Canada has maintained a strong stance on accountability for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people, including through support to the IIMM, calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) referral and support to the ongoing ICC Prosecutor’s investigation into forced deportation. Canada has also filed a joint declaration of intervention on November 15 with Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom in the case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention.
Haiti Development and Humanitarian Assistance
- Deeply concerned by the ongoing security crisis and its impact on the population in Haiti.
- Must continue to respond to the needs of the population through targeted humanitarian and development assistance while supporting efforts to restore security, rule of law and democracy.
- Despite security and access challenges, humanitarian partners continue to deliver life-saving assistance, but we must continue to press for safe and unhindered access to vulnerable populations in Haiti.
Supplementary Messages
- Since April 1, 2022, Canada has committed close to $380M in international assistance to Haiti. In 2022-2023 alone, Canada disbursed more than $140M in international assistance, including $13.7M in humanitarian assistance for 2023.
- Responsive only: To date in 2024, we have already allocated $1.1M in humanitarian assistance, with additional support being considered [unannounced].
Update
The humanitarian situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly since the end of February 2024. A total of 5.5 million Haitians are now in need of humanitarian assistance, more than three million of them children. Furthermore, around 1.4 million of them are on the brink of famine. In the last month, close to 100,000 Haitians fled the capital metropolitan area, mostly to the South of the country.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Since April 1, 2022, Canada has committed close to $380M in international assistance to Haiti (development, peace and security and humanitarian assistance). This includes: 1) $140 M disbursed in 2022-2023; 2) $153 M in anticipated disbursements for 2023-2024, which includes the programming of the $95 Million to support the HNP announced in March 2023; and 3) $80.5M in additional funding to support the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission.
- Since 2016, Canada has provided more than $1 Billion in International Assistance.
Background
The humanitarian response is still active in the country, despite access, funding, and supply challenges. Since March 12, UN Humanitarian Air Service flights have resumed with the aim of bringing in resources for humanitarian assistance and facilitating staff rotation.
On the other hand, implementation of several development initiatives has been seriously affected by the recent surge in violence. GAC-supported projects have had to temporarily pause field activities and revert to distance-supported and/or administrative activities. While the recent appointment of the Transitional Presidential Council, a pre-condition to the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), is a step in the right direction, it will take weeks, if not months, for the situation to stabilize and projects to resume core activities.
The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) for Haiti (USD$674M) is just under 7 per cent funded. Canada’s 2024 humanitarian contribution is currently being assessed, but to date, Canada has allocated $1.1M in humanitarian assistance in Haiti (not yet publicly announced). The allocations include $1M to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and $100,000 to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In 2023, Canada provided $13.7M in humanitarian assistance.
In 2023-2024, it is anticipated that Canada will have disbursed approximately $153M in International Assistance to Haiti (preliminary data will come out in June). This includes support for initiatives to fight corruption and provide access to justice; address gender-based violence and climate change; provide school meals to children; and help restore security through supporting the Haitian National Police and MSSM.
Haiti Peace and Security
Top Line Messages
- Canada is a significant contributor of security-focused support to Haiti.
- GAC disbursed $95M in FY 2023-2024 (Crisis Pool funding) in response to the deterioration of the security situation in Haiti, largely focused supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP).
- Over FY 2023-2024/2024-2025, GAC will provide $80.5M to support the UN Trust Fund for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) to Haiti.
Supplementary Messages
- On July 29, 2023, at the invitation of Haiti, the Government of Kenya announced it would lead a multinational security force to Haiti. The U.S. has estimated an annual cost of USD 550M to deploy the MSSM.
- GAC security programming is supportive of the MSSM and is working closely with the U.S. and partners to help launch the mission.
- An effective GoC strategy includes investing directly in Haiti, as well as addressing the regional drivers of instability.
- Delays in political stabilization and weak law and order continue to exacerbate gang activity and delay MSSM deployment.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Humanitarian: GAC has provided $92.5M in humanitarian assistance between April 2018 and March 2023. This includes $20M for Relief and Reconstruction.
- Development: GAC has provided $384M in long-term development assistance between April 2018 and March 2023.
- Peace and security: GAC has provided $24M in peace and security assistance between April 2018 and March 2023.
- Since 2016, Canada has provided more than $1 billion in International Assistance to Haiti.
Background
- At the March 11 CARICOM Heads of State meeting held in Jamaica, the U.S. announced an additional USD 100M of support for the MSSM. This brings the total U.S. commitment to USD 300M (some funding, some in-kind support). With current conditions in Haiti and the state of the Haitian National Police, it is reasonable to assume that costs will escalate.
- The CARICOM meeting resulted in several conditions for the choices of members for the newly formed Transitional Presidential Council (TPC). As per the terms of the agreement, chosen Council members must be supportive of the deployment of the MSSM.
- GAC continues to work with the U.S. and the UN Trust Fund for the MSSM to plan the allocation of the CAD 80.5M announced by MINA at the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in February 2024. GAC has allocated over $10M in FY 2023-24 and is exploring expedited processes to access the balance of funds. The Minister of Finance approved the funding for the MSSM on February 21, 2024.
- On March 14, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke to Kenyan President Ruto. Ruto confirmed Kenya’s commitment to lead the MSSM despite the on-going crisis. He further noted the intent of Kenyan officials to travel to Haiti to carry-out an assessment mission before the initial deployment of 400 Kenyan officers. This will likely further delay the deployment of the MSSM.
- GAC continues to advance Crisis Pool programming commitments in close coordination with other government departments (notably, the RCMP and DND/CAF).
- All of the $95M announced by Prime Minister Trudeau in March 2023, has been approved via projects with a wide range of implementing partners. Projects are in various stages of implementation.
Getting Canadians out of Haiti
Top Line Messages
- Through our emergency response and the engagement of our Embassies in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Canada has facilitated the departure of approximately 650 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members from Haiti since March 26.
- Over 150 Canadian citizens departed Haiti through Canada’s four assisted departures from Port-au-Prince to the Dominican Republic, from where they were able to travel back to Canada on commercial flights.
- Approximately 500 Canadian citizens, PRs and their immediate family members departed Haiti through Canada’s six assisted departure flights to Montreal.
- Canadian officials have provided visa assistance and passport and citizenship services as required.
Supplementary Messages
- Canada facilitated the departure of more than 650 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members from Haiti since March 26.
- Given the deteriorating situation on the ground, Canada has now ended its assisted departure flights.
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents currently in Haiti should:
- shelter in a safe place until the situation has stabilized
- consider leaving the country if there’s a safe means to do so
- ensure that they have essential supplies
- ensure that their passport and other travel documents are up-to-date and secure at all times
- limit their movements, if unable to shelter in place
- avoid crossing road blockades, even if they appear unattended
- be aware of their surroundings at all times
- Canadians requiring consular assistance should contact ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ's 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
Background
Given that the Port-au-Prince airport has been closed since March 4 and the deteriorating security and living conditions in Haiti, Canada organized four assisted departures by helicopter from Port-au-Prince to the Dominican Republic. Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, Canadian citizens were transferred by private van to Santo Domingo. These assisted departures were only available to Canadian citizens due to the entry regulations of the local authorities. The transfer by helicopter and road was free, but travellers were responsible for all expenses in the Dominican Republic, including accommodation and the organization of their transportation back to Canada.
These were followed by six assisted departures from Port-au-Prince to a secondary safe location in Haiti by helicopter (Cap-Haïtien), and then onwards to Montreal on a chartered aircraft. These were available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members with valid travel documents. Each traveler was required to pay 600 Canadian dollars for the international flight to Canada, a fee equivalent to a one-way commercial flight from Haiti to Canada. They were also responsible for arranging their own mode of transportation to the meeting point, as well as their accommodation and onwards travel once in Montreal.
Since March 26, Canada has facilitated the departure of approximately 650 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members from Haiti.
Support for Ukraine
Top Line Messages
- Th The Prime Minister’s February 24 visit to Kyiv demonstrates Canada’s solidarity with Ukrainians as they face Russia’s continuing aggression.
- Canada’s official development assistance responds to evolving humanitarian needs and the longer-term requirements for inclusive recovery, governance reforms and community supports to vulnerable women, girls and internally displaced individuals.
- Since January 2022, Canada has committed over $ 14 billion in multifaceted support, including financial, development, humanitarian, military, and security and stabilization assistance to Ukraine, as well as new immigration measures for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’ invasion.
Supplementary Messages
- On February 24, 2024, Ukraine and the world marked a sombre milestone of On February 24, 2024, Ukraine and the world marked a sombre milestone of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now more than two years ago. Meanwhile the human and material costs of war continue to grow.
- Since January 2022, Canada has provided $325.5M in humanitarian assistance and $186.7M in development assistance. Canada’s assistance aligns with Ukraine’s vision for its own recovery and reconstruction and works with a diversity of partners to achieve greatest impact.
- According to the latest Rapid Disaster Needs Assessment report (RDNA3), the total costs for Ukraine recovery and reconstruction needs are now estimated at $486B, an estimated 15% increase over last year’s estimates. For 2024 alone, the Ukraine Government anticipates $15B in reconstruction costs required in the following most affected sectors: housing, transport, commerce and industry, agriculture, and energy.
- In 2024, Canada announced $22.5 million in funding allocations to trusted United Nations and Red Cross partners to support responses in line with the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan and the ICRC’s annual appeal. This includes $10 million for the World Food Programme (WFP), $5 million for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), $4 million for the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund coordinated through the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and $3.5 million for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Update
Budget 2024 announced the provision of an estimated CAD $216.7 million (€137.2 million) over five years, starting in 2025-26, for Canada's share of the EBRD's €4 billion (approximately CAD $6.3 billion) general capital increase for Ukraine's reconstruction, which was approved by EBRD’s Governors in December 2023.
A high-level Canadian delegation comprised of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence visited Kyiv on February 24, 2024. During their visit, the Prime Minister signed, alongside Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, the Agreement on Security Cooperation, which provides a 10 – year assurance to the Government of Ukraine for ongoing Canadian military support and engagement on identified priorities outlined in the agreement. The security and military support remain critical to Ukraine [REDACTED].
Canada is the first non-EU member to sign a security agreement. Canada’s contributions extend beyond security. We are equally valued for contributions in humanitarian and official development assistance. Canada has maintained a long-standing relationship with Ukraine since 1991, investing in various sectors such as agriculture, elections, judicial reform, and municipal governance.
In response to the invasion, Canada has adapted its existing areas of support. For instance, Canada expanded existing gender equality programs to include survivors of conflict-related sexual violence or responding to mental health needs of communities impacted by conflict. Additionally, Canada has focused on a broad humanitarian response to support Internally Displaced People (IDPs) as they relocate and re-establish themselves in other Ukrainian communities. As an active member of the Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform (MDCP), Canada collaborates to support Ukraine’s reconstruction goals. The recent third Rapid Disaster Needs Assessment by the World Bank and Government of Ukraine underscores the need for USD15.5 billion to support immediate recovery/reconstruction costs in 2024, of which USD9.5 billion remains unfunded, and a total price tag of USD 486 billion to cover overall reconstruction needs.
Supporting Facts and Figures
Since January 2022, Canada has committed over $ 14 billion in multifaceted support, including financial, development, humanitarian, military, and security and stabilization assistance to Ukraine, as well as new immigration measures for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’ invasion. This includes:
- $7.4 billion in financial assistance, including $4.85 billion in loans, most of which was disbursed via the IMF Administered Account for Ukraine that Canada championed (FIN), and including the provision of an estimated CAD $216.7 million announced in the Budget 2024.
- $4 billion in military assistance (DND),
- $352.5 million in humanitarian assistance (GAC),
- $186.7 million in development assistance (GAC) and,
- over $198.2 million in security & stabilization assistance (GAC).
In FY 2022-23, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ’s international assistance dispersed to Ukraine totalled $411 million, including:
- $222 million was allocated to humanitarian assistance,
- $121 million for development assistance, and
- $68 million for peace and stabilization.
Highlighted Results in Bilateral International Assistance include:
- 29,796 grain sleeves capable of storing 5,969,200 tonnes of grain were distributed to 1,679 farmers across Ukraine via Canada’s contribution to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
- 12 psychosocial support mobile teams in 9 regions that provided support to 5,967 clients and offered additional services including information, counselling, psychological, first aid, and awareness-raising events were launched with support of Canada’s contribution to Institutional support to United Nations Population Fund.
- 14,000 students across various universities in Ukraine were recipients of formal and informal civic education courses on gender equality developed together with Ukrainian institutions via the Ensuring Meaningful Engagement through Reform for Gender Equality project.
Canada’s Humanitarian funding contributed to:
- The UN and other humanitarian actors reached over 15.8 million people in need with assistance in 2022 and 11 million people in need across Ukraine in 2023
- The funding provided to International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) helped support local actors who are playing a key role in the coordinated response, with the UHF allocating over USD192 million to 100 projects targeting over 4 million people.
- The Ukraine Red Cross Society reached more than 400,000 people with food, hygiene kits, medicines, blankets, tents and other essential items.
Background
- On the humanitarian front, Canada is funding programming in line with the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan and the ICRC’s annual appeal. Actions include support for emergency health interventions, protection services, and essentials such as shelter, water, sanitation, and food. Programming also integrates components addressing child protection, mental health and psychosocial support and prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence.
- Funds address the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable, including communities on the front lines in the east and south of Ukraine, and internally displaced people.
- On the bilateral assistance front, Canada has helped community leaders and civil society organizations to support the influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to central and western Ukraine as they fled strife in eastern Ukraine. This has not only helped people re-establish themselves, but also helped many Ukrainian women to launch new entrepreneurial pursuits to support their families.
- During President Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada (September 2023), Canada committed to implement four new initiatives. One of these initiatives provides support to a national mental health strategy, to be implemented by World Health Organization, that bolsters First Lady Zelenska’s commitment to veterans, their families, and vulnerable individuals, and children and youth impacted by trauma with the necessary supports and trained professionals in mental health/psychosocial counselling. A large-scale effort to plan, decentralize and provide supports in many affected communities is now underway.
Support for Armenia
Top Line Messages
- Canada dedicated over $3.9 million in humanitarian assistance in 2023 to the Nagorno-Karabakh situation and Armenia through the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross Society, UN Refugee Agency, and the Humanitarian Coalition.
- Canada supports Armenia’s social and democratic reforms through initiatives, such as the mission of Special Envoy Stéphane Dion, the Arnold Chan initiative for Democracy, and support to Armenian parliamentary reform efforts.
- Armenia CFLI program funds currently stand at $220,000 annually, enabling five to six projects to be funded in the areas of democracy, gender equality, and peace and security.
Supplementary Messages
Canada enjoys a very positive relationship with Armenia. Our partnership is founded on shared priorities, including long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus, as well as on the people-to-people ties built by the vibrant Armenian-Canadian community.
On October 25, Minister Joly officially opened the Canadian embassy in Yerevan. In addition to being an important symbol of Canada’s long-term support and commitment to the region, our embassy will mean Canada is better positioned to engage with the Armenian government and communities, and to contribute meaningfully to international efforts to support democracy, peace and stability in the region.
Canada also supports international efforts and measures to stabilize the situation in the South Caucasus and encourages continued progress in the dialogue for durable peace in the region. Canada welcomes the EU’s Mission in Armenia. As a concrete sign of our commitment, Canada is the first non-EU country to join the European Monitoring Mission in Armenia.
Since 2019, GAC is funding the Parliamentary Centre project “Supporting Parliamentary Reform in Armenia.” The project aims to build the institutional capacity of parliamentarians in Armenia to implement an inclusive and accountable internal governance strategy.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Canada has consistently called for permanent cessation of hostilities and calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage in good faith at the negotiating table.
- Canada promotes the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict, the principles of the non-use of force and territorial integrity for both countries within their internationally recognized borders and the right to self-determination.
- We joined the international community in calling on Azerbaijan to guarantee the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, including those who may wish to return from Armenia.
- A Canadian candidate has been accepted by the EU to serve in the EU civilian monitoring mission in Armenia. The deployment will likely begin in mid April.
Background
Canada’s Humanitarian Response: Recognizing the severity of the situation, Canada acted quickly to support the humanitarian response to the crisis impacting ethnic Armenians who fled to Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. In 2023, Canada provided approximately $3.9 million in humanitarian assistance, which includes:
- $2.5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide emergency health services, food and nutrition assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance.
- $1 million to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to provide protection services, shelter assistance and essential non-food items.
- $350,000 to World Vision Canada through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF) for the provision of basic hygiene kits, cash assistance, psychosocial support, and protection assistance.
- $70,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) through the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund (EDAF) to support relief operations of the Armenian Red Cross.
In addition, the WFP’s Immediate Response Account issued USD 1 million, and the Central Emergency Response Funds (CERF) allocated USD $4 million to support the humanitarian response in Armenia. Canada is a longstanding donor to both the WFP-IRA and the CERF.
Current Humanitarian Needs for N-K Displaced People:
- Social assistance and food security programs through cash and in-kind support for refugees along with mental health interventions remain priority humanitarian concerns.
- Most refugees from N-K have access to housing, schools, and social services. Over 80% of refugee children are in school. Population needs are transitioning to those covered by recovery interventions such as livelihoods programming.
2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (C)
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ requested $28.6M for 2023-24 via Supplementary Estimates (C) to support Canada’s response to the crisis in Haiti.
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ reallocated funds internally and transferred funds to other departments for a total of $26.2M to support its Development, Peace and Security Programming core responsibility.
- Through Supplementary Estimates (C), ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ will receive an additional $2.4M funding for Development, Peace and Security Programming core responsibility.
Supplementary Messages
- In 2023-24, through internal reallocation, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ requested a transfer of $950,000 from Vote 1 to Vote 10 (Grants) and the move of $12.6M from Vote 10 (Contributions) to Vote 10 (Grants) for a total of $13.55M in Grants to address crises through humanitarian assistance.
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ transferred $2.5M to Natural Resources Canada for 2023-24 via Supplementary Estimates C to support the climate finance project Forests and Climate Leader’s Partnership Country packages for forest, nature and climate.
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ transferred $5M to Environment and Climate Change Canada for 2023-24 via Supplementary Estimates C to support the Africa Adaptation Initiative Food Security Accelerator.
- In the 2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (C), ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ sought an increase of $185.4M to its current authorities of $8,547.2M, bringing total authorities to $8,732.6M. For Development, Peace and Security Programming core responsibility, the increase of $2.4M brought the total 2023-24 funding from $5,442.4M to $5,444.8M.
Background
- ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ Development, Peace and Security programming contributes to reducing poverty, increasing opportunity for people around the world, addressing humanitarian crises, and fostering peace and security to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Complex and compounded crises are prompting the department to accelerate its efforts to help the poorest and most vulnerable. These efforts include alleviating suffering in humanitarian crises; reinforcing opportunities for inclusive, sustainable, and equitable economic growth; promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; improving health, nutrition, and education outcomes; advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights and strengthening peace and security.
- The interconnections among Canada's humanitarian, development, and peace and security actions, especially in fragile and conflict-affected environments, motivate the department's efforts to scale up support, addressing urgent needs, and advancing peace and stabilization efforts in societies worldwide.
- Through the implementation of climate change and climate finance commitments, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ works with partners to assist developing countries in achieving cleaner economic growth, fostering inclusive markets, transitioning to climate-smart agriculture and food systems, and building climate-resilient, nature-positive economies.
Education (in General and in Africa)
- Access to quality, safe and inclusive education, especially for girls, is a right and fundamental to sustainable development.
- Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) prioritizes education and skills development, particularly for marginalized groups and girls living in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Canada works with global and Canadian partners that promote local ownership, puts gender equality at the heart of education, and focus on children that are the hardest to reach.
Supplementary Messages
- Canada provides bilateral, multilateral, and Canadian partnership funding to education, including investments in the Global Partnership for Education ($300 million, 20/21–25/26), strengthening Senegal’s National Education Program ($50 million, 22/23–28/29), and increasing access to education for refugee and displaced children and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa ($40 million 2021-2025).
- Given the education crisis, the African Union has designated 2024 as the Year of Education and we will continue to explore how to support the AU’s focus on building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, quality, and relevant learning with a focus on skills and technical and vocational training.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Education Funding: In FY22/23, ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ invested $535M to strengthen education systems and ensure that the most vulnerable had access to education, with approximately 42% of this funding invested in Africa.
- The top 5 country recipients of ¶¶ÒùÊÓƵ’s bilateral aid for education in 22/23 were: Jordan ($125M)*, Bangladesh ($35M), Mozambique ($23M), Tanzania ($22M), and Mali ($18M). [*Note: this includes the $120M Sovereign Loan].
- Ranking: Canada ranks in the top 10 donors among OECD countries in terms of total Official Development Assistance for education.
- Education crisis: 224 million children urgently need quality education support, and 98 million children are out of school in Sub-Saharan Africa (UNICEF).
- Learning crisis: 70% of children in low/middle income countries (90% in Sub-Saharan Africa) are unable to understand a simple text by age 10. The inability to read/write could lead to US$21 trillion in lifetime earning losses (UNICEF, AU).
- Girls: In fragile countries, girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school than boys. 10 million girls are out-of-school due to unintended pregnancies (UNICEF).
- Youth in Africa: With three out of five people under the age of 25, Africa has the youngest population of any continent. Young people can drive economic growth and development, if they are given the education and skills they need (UNICEF).
Background
Investing in education is key to alleviate poverty, advance gender equality, increase employment and economic security, and achieving all the sustainable development goals. Canada has shown leadership for education, particularly programming in conflict and crisis, through the 2018 G7 Charlevoix Education Initiative ($400 million), its international COVID-19 response ($78.9 million), and the Together for Learning campaign (2021-2023).
The world is facing an unprecedented global education crisis due to COVID, climate change and conflict, with children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) disproportionately impacted. There are 98 million children in Africa out of school and nearly 9 in 10 children in SSA struggle to read by age 10. SSA is not only the region with the highest out-of-school population but also the only region where this population is growing. It is estimated that up to 12 million young Africans are entering the job market every year. By 2050, Sub-Saharan Africa will have the largest and youngest workforce in the world. In 2024, the African Union is focused on the theme of education to build momentum and action for the achievement of sustainable development goal (SDG) 4.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Starting in 2023-24, we have committed to provide an average of $1.4 billion annually to global health, with $700 million dedicated to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- Our funding and policy leadership is critically important to counter the growing global backlash against SRHR that threatens well-established freedoms around a woman’s right to make their own reproductive decisions.
Update
- The 57th United Nations Commission on Population and Development was held in New York from April 29 to May 3, 2024, including a high-level segment for the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development.
- In January 2024, Minister Hussen signed on to be a SheDecides Champion with other likeminded SRHR advocates globally.
Supporting Facts and Figures
- Globally, Canada ranks 2nd (behind the US) in its funding for SRHR as a percentage of total Official Development Assistance allocations.
- In 2021-22, Canada disbursed $1.278B under the 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights (most recent official figures). This includes $568M for SRHR, with $208.2M to the neglected areas. This represents a 14% increase in SRHR programming investment, as compared to $496 million in 2020-21.
- Canada’s investments in SRHR deliver concrete results. For example:
- Canada through its support to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Supplies Partnership contributed to avert 8 million unintended pregnancies, 170,000 maternal and child deaths, and 2.2 million unsafe abortions. 
Background
- Canada’s 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights builds on over two decades of Canada’s leadership in global health and nutrition. It is the government’s largest and longest sectoral commitment in international assistance.
- Half of this commitment is dedicated to SRHR, and in particular – to advancing action in the neglected areas of safe abortion, family planning, comprehensive sexuality education, advocacy, and preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence.
- The 10-Year Commitment’s focus on SRHR and the neglected areas is unique amongst donors and is critically important as growing global backlash against SRHR.
- SRHR is a priority investment area for Canada because of the overwhelming evidence that demonstrates SRHR is key to advancing women’s health, gender equality, human rights, and supporting the empowerment of diverse groups of women and girls.
Canada’s International Assistance to Countries
(figures in $ millions)
Notes:
- Includes aid to (core funding) and through multilateral organizations.
- Includes international assistance from all departments, provinces, and municipalities.
Source: Statistical Reports on International Assistance
Canada's International Assistance to West Bank and Gaza FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 53.5 | 3.0 | 56.4 |
2021/2022 | 63.9 | 1.7 | 65.5 |
2020/2021 | 63.6 | 2.1 | 65.6 |
2019/2020 | 56.2 | 2.2 | 58.3 |
2018/2019 | 43.9 | 2.5 | 46.4 |
2017/2018 | 59.4 | 1.0 | 60.4 |
2016/2017 | 50.3 | 0.6 | 50.9 |
Total | 403.5 |
Canada's International Assistance to Democratic Republic of Congo FY2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 143.55 | 63.16 | 206.71 |
2021/2022 | 135.27 | 32.73 | 168.31 |
2020/2021 | 110.58 | 10.44 | 121.02 |
2019/2020 | 137.23 | 13.26 | 150.49 |
2018/2019 | 119.45 | 15.86 | 135.31 |
2017/2018 | 100.43 | 12.33 | 112.76 |
2016/2017 | 77.16 | 14.55 | 91.71 |
Total | 873.55 |
Canada's International Assistance to Ethiopia FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 167.29 | 83.41 | 250.70 |
2021/2022 | 167.08 | 39.47 | 206.55 |
2020/2021 | 172.12 | 43.46 | 215.58 |
2019/2020 | 126.87 | 49.01 | 175.88 |
2018/2019 | 136.06 | 67.09 | 203.15 |
2017/2018 | 158.22 | 39.93 | 198.15 |
2016/2017 | 143.47 | 49.45 | 192.92 |
Total | 1447.93 |
Canada's International Assistance to Sudan FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 62.84 | 1.67 | 64.51 |
2021/2022 | 111.89 | 71.06 | 182.95 |
2020/2021 | 65.76 | 2.35 | 68.11 |
2019/2020 | 32.86 | 0.09 | 32.95 |
2018/2019 | 38.94 | 0.00 | 38.94 |
2017/2018 | 25.79 | 0.01 | 25.80 |
2016/2017 | 36.41 | 0.18 | 36.59 |
Total | 449.85 |
Canada's International Assistance to Ethiopia FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 167.20 | 83.50 | 250.70 |
2021/2022 | 167.08 | 39.47 | 206.55 |
2020/2021 | 172.12 | 43.46 | 215.58 |
2019/2020 | 126.87 | 49.01 | 175.88 |
2018/2019 | 136.06 | 67.09 | 203.15 |
2017/2018 | 158.22 | 39.93 | 198.15 |
2016/2017 | 143.47 | 49.45 | 192.92 |
Total | 1442.93 |
Canada's International Assistance to Mali FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 113.06 | 15.18 | 128.24 |
2021/2022 | 98.90 | 12.90 | 111.80 |
2020/2021 | 125.99 | 7.11 | 133.10 |
2019/2020 | 111.30 | 13.84 | 125.14 |
2018/2019 | 131.59 | 8.34 | 139.93 |
2017/2018 | 128.96 | 7.45 | 136.41 |
2016/2017 | 120.95 | 4.63 | 125.58 |
Total | 900.20 |
Canada's International Assistance to China FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 10.78 | 2.18 | 12.96 |
2021/2022 | 5.60 | 1.99 | 7.59 |
2020/2021 | 5.34 | 1.89 | 7.23 |
2019/2020 | 4.79 | 2.19 | 6.98 |
2018/2019 | 12.68 | 28.34 | 41.02 |
2017/2018 | 3.99 | 3.09 | 7.08 |
2016/2017 | 5.89 | 3.31 | 9.20 |
Total | 92.06 |
Canada's International Assistance to Myanmar FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 50.36 | 1.27 | 51.63 |
2021/2022 | 42.43 | 3.98 | 46.41 |
2020/2021 | 48.19 | 7.19 | 55.38 |
2019/2020 | 58.77 | 7.12 | 65.89 |
2018/2019 | 51.51 | 7.72 | 59.23 |
2017/2018 | 31.12 | 9.26 | 40.38 |
2016/2017 | 32.15 | 7.31 | 39.46 |
Total | 358.38 |
Canada's International Assistance to Haiti FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 130.65 | 9.46 | 140.11 |
2021/2022 | 80.20 | 9.68 | 89.88 |
2020/2021 | 93.18 | 4.90 | 98.08 |
2019/2020 | 90.48 | 6.09 | 96.57 |
2018/2019 | 85.16 | 11.19 | 96.35 |
2017/2018 | 107.42 | 14.31 | 121.73 |
2016/2017 | 103.61 | 22.92 | 126.53 |
Total | 769.25 |
Canada's International Assistance to Ukraine FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 756.31 | 5020.53 | 5776.84 |
2021/2022 | 285.43 | 22.70 | 308.13 |
2020/2021 | 205.18 | 7.11 | 212.29 |
2019/2020 | 138.53 | 7.33 | 145.86 |
2018/2019 | 141.87 | 28.41 | 170.28 |
2017/2018 | 149.47 | 7.05 | 156.52 |
2016/2017 | 129.27 | 7.77 | 137.04 |
Total | 6906.96 |
Canada's International Assistance to Armenia FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023
Fiscal Year | GAC | OGDs | Total |
---|---|---|---|
2022/2023 | 1.60 | 0.25 | 1.85 |
2021/2022 | 5.81 | 0.37 | 6.17 |
2020/2021 | 0.78 | 0.19 | 0.97 |
2019/2020 | 1.40 | 0.14 | 1.54 |
2018/2019 | 1.42 | 1.11 | 2.53 |
2017/2018 | 0.92 | 0.36 | 1.28 |
2016/2017 | 1.71 | 0.72 | 2.43 |
Total | 16.77 |
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