The Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC) – the umbrella organization representing Canada’s international development and humanitarian organizations – expressed disappointment earlier this month that Budget 2019 did not contribute the additional resources required to achieve the ambitious targets the Government of Canada has set through its Feminist International Assistance Policy. This internationally acclaimed policy was developed through an extensive consultation process with stakeholders in Canada and globally, including with civil society organizations. While the values and vision are now well established, the financial commitments remain insufficient.

Budget 2018 included new investments to keep Official Development Assistance (ODA) consistent as a proportion of the economy over the next five years. However, CCIC has called for a timetable of sustainable increases to Canadian aid, which would be required if Canada is to meet its policy commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals. Canada’s ODA is 0.26 percent of Gross National Income.