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

Canada's aid sector is expressing disappointment over the federal budget, which makes no mention of foreign aid for the first time in more than 15 years. The budget, released by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, omits any references to international assistance, foreign aid or international development. Kate Higgins, head of Co-operation Canada, argued this approach is misguided given the high stakes in the world today.

The budget only references Ukraine in relation to drone production and aid workers in a section on a permit program for aid organizations in terrorist-controlled areas. The sector assumes Ottawa will stick with its plan to cut $2.7 billion in foreign aid over four years. They are relieved the government has not announced further cuts.

Higgins hopes Ottawa will provide more details in a foreign policy review expected later this month. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said in a news conference that development assistance is a priority and cited examples of humanitarian aid to Cuba, Lebanon, Gaza and Sudan. However, the budget's lack of mention of foreign aid came just days after the United Nations' global humanitarian head praised Canada as a "humanitarian superpower." Anti-poverty advocacy group Results Canada found no reference to relevant terms in the document.