Budget Fails to Help World’s Poorest

While the global economic crisis continues to threaten the jobs and savings of millions of Canadians, it has also been casting a shadow across much of the developing world.

Last week’s federal budget provided many details about how Canadians will save on taxes and home renovations. However, it failed to contain any mention of assistance for the world’s poorest, who will suffer the most as a result of the global economic slowdown.

The Department of Finance has confirmed that Canada’s share of Official Development Assistance (ODA) will increase by 8% in 2009-2010. However, this was a scheduled increase that does not take into account the greatly heightened need that has been a result of the crisis.

The Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC) is calling on the government for an annual increase in funding of 15% for the next 10 years. This would enable Canada to reach the internationally agreed target for aid spending of 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI).

Currently, Canada gives only 0.32% of its GNI as foreign aid. Achieving the 0.7% target would enable Canada to fulfill one of its Millennium Development Goals and provide much-needed relief for millions of the world’s poorest.

Even in these times of economic difficulty, our country is still among one of the wealthiest in the world. If we are to seek justice for all, we must reach out beyond our own borders and assist those who are in greatest need.