Aid sector calls out lack of any mention of foreign aid in federal budget

Canada's aid sector is expressing disappointment over the first federal budget in over a decade that did not reference foreign aid at all. The budget, which Prime Minister Mark Carney's government tabled, makes no mention of international assistance, foreign aid or international development. Co-operation Canada head Kate Higgins said the budget's silence on issues of international development cooperation and humanitarian action is unacceptable, especially when the stakes are so high.

The budget's lack of mention of foreign aid came just days after the United Nations' humanitarian chief praised Canada as a "humanitarian superpower." Aid workers are only mentioned in passing, in a section about a permit program for aid organizations operating in areas controlled by terrorist groups. Higgins said the sector expects Ottawa to stick with its plan to cut $2.7 billion in foreign aid over four years, but they were relieved the government didn't announce further cuts.