QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
International Development
May 29, 2025
Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Development and poverty reduction help maintain global stability and security. During the April 16 French debate on Radio-Canada, the party leaders were asked whether international aid should be cut. By way of illustration, a table compared international aid spending on Ukraine — $2.1 billion — and Haiti — $172.3 million.
I was in Dayton last week for the meeting of NATO countries, where discussions about boosting military spending eclipsed those about humanitarian aid and development.
Canada is being asked to increase its military spending, yet we know that we must rebuild what was destroyed. Shouldn’t our spending on development aid be on par with our military spending?
Thank you for the question. Canada is and will remain committed to fulfilling its role on the international stage in terms of both military spending and foreign aid. We need to strike a balance between these two important issues. As His Majesty said in the Speech from the Throne, Canada has continued to set an example in its conduct and its values as a force for good.
Thank you, Senator Gold.
I’m also going to quote an excerpt from the Speech from the Throne, which points out the following:
Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co‑operation . . . .
As an important G7 meeting draws near, what financial objective will Canada pursue in terms of international cooperation and government-funded development assistance?
Thank you for the question. As the senator correctly pointed out, this is one of the government’s priorities and we’ll soon have more to say on the matter.
