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Minister of International Development appearance before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on supplementary estimates (C) 2023-24 and main estimates 2024-25

May 6, 2024
Published: September 3, 2024

Table of Contents

  1. Overview
    1. Scenario Note
    2. Opening Remarks
    3. Member Biographies
  2. General Hot Issues
    1. Budget 2024
    2. Humanitarian Assistance in General
    3. Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative
    4. GAC’s Overall Transformation
    5. Refocusing Government Spending
    6. ODA Spending and Development Budget Increase
    7. OAG report (International Assistance in Support of Gender Equality) *including most up to date info on progress made
    8. Holding the Iranian Regime Accountable - calls to list IRGC as a terrorist entity (Public Safety)
    9. Progress on Sustainable Development Goals
    10. Funding for Canadian based organizations (incl. Support to SMOs)
    11. Bill C-41
    12. Indo-Pacific Strategy
    13. Canada’s aid efforts on Food Security
    14. Climate Finance
    15. Peacekeeping Efforts
  3. Middle East & Gulf
    1. Middle East Strategy
    2. Arms exports to Israel and Arms exports protocol generally
    3. Gaza Development and Humanitarian Assistance
    4. Getting Canadians out of Gaza
    5. UNWRA
  4. Africa
    1. Support for Sub Saharan Africa and any work being undertaken on an Africa strategy
    2. DRC and Monusco withdrawal
    3. Canada’s International Assistance to Ethiopia
    4. Support for Sudan
    5. Tigray Humanitarian Assistance
    6. Support for Mali
  5. Asia
    1. Assistance to China
    2. Uyghurs
    3. Falun Gong practitioners
    4. Tibet Development
    5. Support for Rohingya and those impacted by ongoing violence in Myanmar
  6. Central America & Caribbean
    1. Haiti Development and humanitarian assistance
    2. Haiti Peace and Security
    3. Getting Canadians out of Haiti
  7. Europe
    1. Support for Ukraine
    2. Armenia Humanitarian Assistance
  8. Supplementary Notes
    1. Supplementary Estimates (C)
    2. Education (In General and in Africa) 2024
    3. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
    4. Canada’s International Assistance to Countries

Meeting Scenario

Global Affairs Canada

Committee Context

First Round

Second Round

Committee Membership & Interests

For further information on committee membership, please see the member bios included in this briefing binder.

Most recently in 2023-2024, the committee has been concerned with the following topics of study:

Recent questions by Committee members have focused on the following issues:

CPC: Khalistani terrorist-financing activities, the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada’s military support to Ukraine, and the benefits of a negotiated peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

LPC: Russia-Ukraine, Russia’s militarization of the Arctic and Baltic nations, COVAX, Haiti, Turkey, human rights, France and Islamic terrorism, freedom of expression, Canada-China relations, the situation in Xinjiang, human rights (Uighurs), the Rohingya, Venezuela, consular cases, the rules-based international order, UN, NATO, OSCE civil and human rights, Sri Lanka, Eastern Europe, COVID-19, travel restrictions, status of women, Africa, freedom of conscience and religion, and China.

BQ: Military aid to Armenia and the displacement of Armenians, the Indo-Pacific Strategy, and aid to Ethiopia.

NDP: Advocacy for the people of Rafah and Gaza, the reinstatement of funding to UNRWA, concerns surrounding arms exports to Israel, Canada’s investments in development and human rights, Canada’s success/failure in defense, the Africa Strategy, diplomacy and development in sub-Saharan Africa, the humanitarian crisis in Armenia, the impacts of the war in Ukraine on food security, and Canada’s official development assistance.

Mine Main Estimates Appearance, May 6, 2024

Opening Remarks (5 minutes – 860 words)

Thank you, members of the committee.

I am pleased to be here to discuss Canada’s role in providing international assistance to advance sustainable development keeping in mind the current global context; the results Canada has achieved over the past year; and the challenges that lie ahead.

First, the global context.

It is no secret that the global development landscape is changing rapidly.

Geopolitical competition is affecting how Canada delivers international assistance.

We operate in a context of weakened democracies and growing authoritarianism, resulting in shrinking civic spaces and increasing political polarization.

In particular, we are deeply concerned about the global backlash against gender equality and human rights. This rollback of hard-won rights, including LGBTQI+ rights and sexual and reproductive rights, is simply unacceptable.

In this context, Canada is steadfast in its commitment to protecting and advancing gender equality. We continue to advocate for and implement a feminist approach to international assistance, in pursuit of a more prosperous, safe and equitable world for all.

Within this feminist approach, Canada’s international assistance has been achieving results.

In 2023, Canada’s official development assistance (ODA) increased by approximately 7% to $10.9 billion – resulting in Canada’s highest ODA/GNI level (0.38%) since 1995.

With these investments, for example, Canada is delivering on its global climate change commitments.

We continue to work with partners to promote clean energy, phase out coal, invest in climate-smart agriculture, support adaptation initiatives for the most vulnerable countries, and protect biodiversity.

In particular, through Canada’s support to the Global Environment Facility, we are helping more than 8 million people adapt to climate change and protect 100 million hectares of marine biodiversity.

I am also proud to say that Canada is among the top donors supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including support for women’s rights organizations and ending gender-based violence.

The Women’s Voice and Leadership Program is one example of Canada’s leadership in this area.

Through this program, Canada has supported over 1,100 women’s rights organizations, feminist movements and LBTQI+ organizations in more than 30 developing countries.

These organizations have effectively advanced gender equality in their communities, through advocacy for gender-transformative policies, laws and frameworks.

Canada is delivering on its 10-Year, $1.4 billion annual Commitment to advance the health and rights of women and girls around the world. By partnering with Canadian, global and local health organizations, our investments are making a difference in the lives of women and girls, and are addressing critical gaps in health services around the world.

For instance, Canada’s contribution of $930 million over three years for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria helped save over 44 million lives. In 2020, the Global Fund provided access to antiretroviral therapy to 21.0 million people living with HIV, treated 4.7 million people with TB, and distributed 188 million mosquito nets.

In 2021-22, our work with Nutrition International – a global organization based in Ottawa – enabled teachers to deliver weekly iron and folic acid supplements to over 2 million adolescent girls, averting thousands of cases of anemia and enabling girls to stay in school. Yet, despite this progress, the past year has been very challenging, so I would like to take a moment to acknowledge this.

Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals continues to be affected by recent conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war, the crisis in Haiti, and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The human cost of conflict is growing rapidly.

According to recent UN estimates, over 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2024.

Canada provided $1.3 billion in humanitarian assistance in FY2022-23 to respond to the life-saving needs of those affected by conflict and natural disasters around the world.

Of that amount, Canada provided $13.7 million to Haiti in 2023, for life-saving assistance such as food, water, health and protection. Additional support is being considered as the crisis unfolds.

Canada has also announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance funding to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighbouring countries, including a matching fund of $13.8 million.

Recognizing that the needs continue to grow, Budget 2024 announced an additional $350 million over two years to respond to humanitarian crises around the world.

Finally, let us turn to the challenges that lie ahead.

The trust developing countries have in the global development architecture is waning. This is the result, in part, of reduced access to development finance for countries that need it the most.

That said, official development assistance alone is not enough to meet the growing needs of developing countries. We are working with other countries, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to mobilize all sources of development finance to support progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Through the Grants and Contributions Transformation Initiative, Global Affairs Canada is finding new ways of working that are faster, more transparent, and more flexible.

These are some examples of how Canada and other donor countries are being asked to adapt, in a quickly changing global environment.

These are both challenging and exciting times. We need to continue to improve how we work, to learn from others, and to play a leadership role in shaping the international development landscape of the future.

Thank you.

Biographies of FAAE Members

Ali Ehassi (Chair)
LPC – Willowdale (ON)

Ali Ehassi

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine

Israel, Gaza and the West Bank

Gender Apartheid

Afghanistan

Michael D. Chong (Vice-Chair)
CPC – Wellington – Halton Hills (ON)

Michael D. Chong

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine:

Armenia and Azerbaijan:

Nuclear Weapons:

NATO:

Peru:

China: Human Rights, Foreign Interference

Iran: Flight PS752

Stéphane Bergeron (Vice-Chair)
BQ – Montarville, (QC)

Stéphane Bergeron

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Africa:

Global Food Crisis:

China:

Ukraine:

Human Rights: Saudi Arabia, Child Labour

Peacekeeping:

Reproductive Health Globally:

Lachin Corridor:

Ziad Aboultaif
CPC – Edmonton Manning (AB)

Ziad Aboultaif

Election to the house of commons

First elected: 2015

Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Canadian Diplomacy

Omar Alghabra
LPC – Mississauga Centre (ON)

Omar Alghabra

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine:

Middle East: Israel, Gaza

Iran: Flight PS752

Consular Affairs:

Human Rights: Myanmar

Sophie Chatel
LPC – Pontiac (QC)

Sophie Chatel

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Haiti:

Middle East: Gaza

Canada’s Sanctions Regime:

NATO: Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence

Global Economy: Net-Zero Portfolios for Financial Institutions

Dave Epp
CPC – Chatham-Kent-Leamington (ON)

Dave Epp

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Africa: Civil Organizations

Gaza

Ukraine: Fertilizer Tariffs, Resources Access Challenges

Global Food Insecurity:

Sanction Regime: SEMA

Russia: Wagner Group

Hedy Fry
LPC – Vancouver Centre (BC)

Hedy Fry

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Armenia and Azerbaijan:

Ukraine:

China:

Sanction:

Randy Hoback
CPC – Prince Albert (SK)

Randy Hoback

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Haiti:

Defence Relations:

Ukraine:

Canadian Natural Gas:

Agricultural Sector:

Heather McPherson
NDP – Riding (PR)

Heather McPherson

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Russia/Ukraine:

Africa: Sudan

India:

Armenia:

Middle East: Israel, Palestine, Gaza

Food Security:

Human Rights:

Arms to Saudi Arabia:

Disarmament/Cluster Munitions:

Iran:

Peru:

NATO: Nuclear Disarmament

Robert Oliphant
LPC – Don Valley West (ON)

Robert Oliphant

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine:

Gaza:

LGBTQ Rights:

China:

Sanctions Regime:

LGBTQ Rights:

Sameer Zuberi
LPC – Pierrefonds – Dollard (QC)

Sameer Zuberi

Election to the house of commons

Professional Background

Political and parliamentary roles

Committee membership

Points of interest to GAC

Global Food Security:

Ukraine:

China: Uyghurs

Climate Change: NATO

Pakistan:

Budget 2024 – International Assistance and Cooperation

Supplementary Messages

Background

Humanitarian Response 2024

Update

To address an unprecedented level of humanitarian needs, Canada continues to respond to an increasing number of sudden onset and protracted humanitarian crises around the world, including in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and Haiti, and is actively addressing global food insecurity.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Over the last decade, the scope, scale, and complexity of the humanitarian system has significantly grown, characterized by an increasing number of conflicts and natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change. Some 110 million people are forcibly displaced, and 309 million people will face food insecurity in 2024, of which 42.3 will be in emergency or worse levels of food insecurity.

Grants And Contributions Transformation Initiative

Top Line Messsages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

The GCTI addresses the following commitments and recommendations:

Global Affairs Canada Transformation

Supplementary Messages

Update

Refocusing Government Spending

Supplementary Messages

2023-2024
(blocked allocations)		2024-20252025-20262026-2027
& 2027-2028		2028-2029
& Ongoing

- 27,602,000

- 118,718,936

- 179,214,936

- 243,374,436

- 244,791,846

Background

0.7% ODA Spending and Increasing the Development Budget

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts And Figures

Office of the Auditor General Report (International Assistance in Support of Gender Equality)

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

On 27 March 2023, the Auditor General of Canada tabled the “Report 4 – International Assistance in Support of Gender Equality”. The audit found that there is a continued need for the implementation of the FIAP, however that GAC did not comprehensively monitor or report on the outcomes of policy implementation, concluding that GAC was unable to demonstrate how Canada’s FIAP contributed to improving gender equality in low- and middle-income countries. To address recommendation 1, GAC has implemented a centralized Project Documents Database, with mandatory uploading of essential project documents, training for staff, regular reminders to employees on the mandatory exercise, and updates to senior management on progress in completing the exercise. In response to recommendation 2, GAC will be implementing an approach that integrates thematic and program indicators, thereby better reporting on outcomes and improving the communication of results. In response to recommendation 3, changes were already made to the gender equality assessment form and guidance, to be more explicit about diversity and intersecting identity factors. GAC has reviewed and adjusted existing guidance, tools, training, and processes to ensure they meet the OAG’s expectations for the consideration of identity factors beyond age in project-level gender equality assessments.

Measures to Hold the Iranian Regime Accountable

Issue: Listing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.

Top Line Messages

Background:

On June 13, 2018, the House of Commons adopted an Opposition motion which called on the Government to, among other things, immediately designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code. The downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 by an Iranian missile in January 2020 refocused calls for the IRGC to be listed under the Criminal Code. In January 2024, during a ceremony commemorating the victims of Flight PS752, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that the Government is looking at ways to hold the Iranian Regime accountable and will continue to look for ways to responsibly list the IRGC as a terrorist entity.

The Criminal Code sets out a terrorist listing regime to help prevent the use of Canada’s financial system to further terrorist activity, and to assist in the investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences.

The Minister of Public Safety may recommend to the Governor in Council that individuals or groups be designated as “terrorist entities” pursuant to s. 83.05 (1) of the Criminal Code (establishment of list) if there are reasonable grounds to believe that an entity:

  1. has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity; or
  2. has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with, an entity referred to in paragraph (a).

Canada has several punitive measures already in place in response to Iran’s support of terrorism, and against the IRGC. These include the listing of the IRGC’s Qods Force (QF) and other Iranian proxies (the Taliban, Hizballah, Hamas, Al-Ashtar Brigades, The Fatemiyoun Division, and Harakat al-Sabireen) as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code.

Moreover, Canada imposes vigorous sanctions against the Iranian regime and its leadership under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). To date, Canada has sanctioned 442 Iranian individuals and entities under SEMA. Since October 2022, Canada has imposed 16 rounds of SEMA sanctions targeting 153 individuals and 87 entities at all levels of Iran’s security, intelligence, and economic apparatus. Sanctions explicitly target the IRGC, its branches, and its leadership, by prohibiting certain dealings with these individuals and entities.

On June 23, 2022, new amendments came into force providing the authorities for the seizure, forfeiture, disposal and redistribution of assets that have already been effectively frozen under the SEMA and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA). Under Canada’s legislation, proceeds from sold forfeited assets may be used for: the reconstruction of a state adversely affected by a grave breach of international peace and security; the restoration of international peace and security; and the compensation of victims.

On November 14, 2022, Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has participated in systematic and severe breaches of human rights. As a result, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), tens of thousands of prominent Iranian government officials are now permanently inadmissible to Canada, including heads of state, top IRGC members, intelligence operatives, senior government officials, diplomats, and judges.

Should Bill S-8, an Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, becomes law, it will align the IRPA with SEMA to ensure all foreign nationals subject to sanctions under SEMA will also be inadmissible to Canada.

Since September 7, 2012, Iran is listed in Canada as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. As a result, Iran’s immunity from civil proceedings was lifted in relation to its terrorist activity or support for terrorism. Known Iranian assets in Canada, with the exception of diplomatic properties, were seized to satisfy civil proceedings under the Justice For Victims of Terrorism Act (JVTA). The JVTA allows victims of terrorism to launch civil actions against perpetrators of terrorism and those that support them for loss or damage that occurred as a result of an act of terrorism committed anywhere in the world. In order to bring a claim under the JVTA, a person must have suffered loss or damage in or outside Canada on or after January 1, 1985, as a result of an act or omission that is, or had it been committed in Canada would be, punishable under Part II.1 of the Criminal Code (terrorism offences).

Progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

The 2030 Agenda is an ambitious 15-year global framework centered around 17 interrelated and indivisible SDGs. They cover all aspects of sustainable development and are meant to be implemented by both developing and developed countries. At the halfway mark, the global community is behind and risks not reaching the inclusive and sustainable world initially envisioned. Accelerated action which prioritizes Goals that can work as SDG multipliers (i.e. gender) is needed on the path towards 2030.

Canadian Based Organizations

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Canadian based organizations value in the delivery of Canada’s IA: The Department partners with a diversity of Canadian organizations (civil society organizations, private sector, universities and research institutions) of various sizes and sectors to: 1) deliver international assistance programming; 2) dialogue on policy, process improvements & innovation, and 3) engage, inform, and inspire Canadians on international development. In addition, Canadian partners’ broad geographic reach provides visibility for Canada across the globe, including in countries where Canada’s presence is otherwise limited. The Department is also exploring opportunities for joined-up projects with the private sector and other partners to leverage additional sources of funds and contribute to sustainable development.

Delivery of international assistance: To increase predictability, the Department publishes a semi-annual calendar of calls for proposals and issues detailed information on funding processes. To increase accessibility, and to lower applicants’ burden, new application processes have been introduced such as the use of proposal “concept notes”, and simplified project implementation planning and reporting templates. Through the Small and Medium Organizations (SMOs) Initiative, over 430 SMOs have benefited from capacity-building activities and there have been 468 applications to the three calls for proposals. To date, 39 SMOs have received funding to implement development projects with another 50 SMOs selected to test innovative solutions through the Fund for Innovation and Transformation. The Department is working with partners to reduce the administrative burden and increase the transparency, responsiveness and predictability of our international assistance.

Budget 2024: A coalition of over 100 Canadian international cooperation organizations, including Cooperation Canada, welcomes new funding of $350 million over two years in additional humanitarian aid. The coalition recognizes that this new investment comes in a complex economic environment for Canada and emphasizes the need for the government to continue to play its part on the global stage.

Direction and control: In response to the sector’s advocacy related to some elements of the Income Tax Act applicable to Canadian charities carrying on activities outside Canada, Finance Canada amended the legislation to address charities’ views that the previous requirements were costly and labour intensive, and supported an out-dated colonial approach to working with local partners. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) published its revised guidance in December 2023 which informs due diligence and accountability measures related to the transfer of funds by Canadian charities to local organizations. While changes to the legislation will not directly affect GAC’s programming, the amended Income Tax Act and CRA’s related guidance align with GAC’s contribution agreements, as required under the TBS Transfer Payment Policy.

Bill C-41

Top Line Messages

Supplementary messages

Update

Public Safety has been working with Government of Canada partners, including GAC, IRCC, DoJ, and CRA, to implement the authorization regime since June 2023. Public Safety is expected to table in Parliament the first Annual Report on operations of the authorization regime on March 22, consistent with statutory requirements. Work is underway to publicly launch the authorization regime in spring 2024. Public Safety has a statutory requirement to table in Parliament a comprehensive review of the regime covering the first year following entry into force of the legislation (June 2023-June 2024) and every 5 years thereafter.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Government Bill C-41 received Royal Assent on June 20, 2023. It created a humanitarian exception and authorization regime to shield Canadian organizations from criminal liability for carrying out international assistance, immigration and safe passage or government operations, where these activities may provide a benefit to a terrorist group (for example, through taxes and operating fees), in contravention of Criminal Code counter terrorism financing provisions.

The humanitarian exception is in force and facilitates the delivery of urgent, life-saving assistance. It does not require an application. The authorization regime can shield from criminal liability activities that support health, education, livelihoods and human rights programming, immigration and government operations. The Minister of Public Safety may grant authorizations, upon referral of applications by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on a case-by-case basis.

Civil society organizations were engaged throughout the legislative process and following the bill passage, including via stakeholder briefings hosted by Public Safety, most recently in March 2024. Generally, the new legislation has been welcomed by the Canadian aid community, although some stakeholders have raised concerns on the lack of clarity around the scope of the authorization regime and the humanitarian exception, a potentially burdensome application process and the amount of personal information that may be required.

Indo-Pacific Strategy

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (November 2022) presents a comprehensive and integrated set of strategic priorities for the coming decade, spanning defence and security, trade and economic cooperation, people-to-people ties, international assistance, as well as environment and climate change. With new investments and paid-in capital totalling nearly $2.3 B, it comprises of 24 initiatives across 17 government departments and agencies, as well as FinDev Canada and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. New development assistance initiatives are included in three of the Strategy’s five interconnected strategic objectives:

Canada’s development assistance in the Indo-Pacific began under the Colombo Plan in the 1950s and remains an important component of our engagement in many developing Indo-Pacific countries. As such, the Department’s 9 bilateral programs and 2 regional programs in the Indo-Pacific are currently the most visible component of Canada’s international assistance engagement in the region.

Canada’s aid efforts for Food Security

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Food crises are the result of multiple drivers that can reinforce each other and function as threat multipliers. Conflict, climate change and economic shocks are the primary drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition around the world, with differing impacts in different locations. Women and girls are disproportionately vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity as they often eat the least and last in a family.

Following the invasion of Ukraine, global food and fertilizer prices reached all-time highs. Although global food prices have since decreased, domestic food prices in developing countries - the prices that matter to consumers - continue to increase. High food prices disproportionately affect those living in poverty, who spend most of their income on food and other basic needs. Climate change is also driving recent rises in global hunger. About two-thirds of the people facing severe food insecurity depend on agricultural livelihoods and are affected by climate change. Changes in climate also impact nutrition through reduced nutrient quality and dietary diversity of foods produced and consumed. In countries experiencing severe food crises, conflict is the primary driver. Seventy percent of the world's hungry people live in areas afflicted by war and violence.

In response to growing food and nutrition needs, Canada significantly increased the share of its humanitarian funding in these sectors since 2017, notably through the allocation of $385 million in extra budgetary resources for humanitarian food and nutrition assistance from 2021 to 2023. This assistance is provided through key humanitarian UN and NGO partners to help provide life-saving services such as food assistance, emergency cash and vouchers and ready-to-use therapeutic food for emergency feeding of acutely malnourished children. Canada also provides longer-term agriculture and food systems development assistance disbursing $672 million in fiscal year 2022-2023. Launched in December 2023, Global Affairs Canada’s Resilient Agri-Food Systems Framework was developed to provide strategic and technical guidance to improve Canada’s international development programming, policy, and advocacy to address the causes of global food crises by increasing resilience of global and local agri-food systems to climate, agronomic, economic and conflict shocks.

Responding to global food insecurity and malnutrition challenges have been a priority for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 G7 Presidencies. Brazil as 2024 G20 President is launching a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

Climate Finance

Supplementary messages

Update

Canada fully delivered on its commitment to provide $2.65 billion over 2015−21 to help developing countries tackle climate change.

In June 2021, at the G7 Leaders’ Summit, the Prime Minister announced a doubling of Canada’s international climate finance commitment to $5.3 billion over 2021−2026. Budget 2021 provided the associated Record of Decision on June 15, 2021 and the financial authority for Canada’s new $5.3 billion climate finance commitment. Canada’s climate finance is targeting four thematic areas of focus (Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase Out; Nature-based Solutions and Biodiversity; Climate-smart Agriculture and Food Systems; and, Climate Governance) and has three public policy targets (40% of funding for adaptation, up from 30% previously; 20% of funding for projects that leverage nature-based climate solutions and projects that contribute biodiversity co-benefits; and having at least 80% of climate projects integrate gender equality).

Since 2015, Canada’s climate finance programming has achieved concrete results in helping developing countries transition toward low-carbon, climate-resilient economies, has mobilized important investments from the private sector, and continues to support women’s leadership and decision-making in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Supporting Facts and Figures

As of 2022–2023, the $2.65 billion commitment has reduced or prevented nearly 16 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to removing more than 4.4 million cars from roads for one year), helped more than 4 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, and mobilized more than $300 million in private finance (over 2017–2022). By 2030, the commitment is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200 megatonnes (equivalent to removing about 57 million cars from roads for one year), help more than 6 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, and mobilize even more important climate finance contributions from the private sector.

Background

Canada’s international climate finance counts as Official Development Assistance and is aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Peacekeeping Efforts

Top Line Messages

Update

United Nations (UN) peacekeeping is currently in flux, with the recent closing (December 2023) of the mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and a reduction in size of the mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); the latter is currently expected to close at the end of 2024. In both cases, the withdrawals are due to host government requests rather than an improvement of the security situation; such consent is fundamental to UN peacekeeping. UN peacekeeping remains the norm, but there is ongoing discussion about other models. For example, a Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission to assist the Haitian police was approved by the UN Security Council (UNSC) in October 2023, though it has yet to deploy. As well, in December 2023 the UNSC adopted a resolution that provides an initial framework for UN assessed contributions to partially fund peace operations led by the African Union (AU) on a case-by-case basis.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Canada and most allied countries have shifted the bulk of their support to UN peacekeeping toward smaller, strategic deployments of limited personnel, with a focus on specialized high-value capabilities and niche expertise, along with financial and policy contributions. The main objective is to exert systemic influence over UN missions and reform initiatives in a time of diminishing numbers of deployed personnel. Canada also contributes to debates about the future of peace operations, which include consideration of missions led by third parties and hybrid missions, while retaining the current model of large multidimensional missions for use as appropriate. Other UN tools, such as Special Political Missions and more narrowly focused peacekeeping missions, are also options. Cooperation with the AU took a major step forward in December 2023 with the UNSC’s adoption of a framework for partial financial support to select AU-led missions, though many implementation questions remain unanswered. These discussions arise from a deepening understanding of the limits of peacekeeping, both as a response to unconventional threats (e.g., terrorism) and as a means of resolving what are, at base, political problems.

Canada’s Middle East Strategy

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Of the $4.7 billion, Global Affairs Canada disbursed a total of $2.45 billion through the Strategy from 2016-2023, including $1.47 billion in humanitarian assistance, $659 million in development assistance, and $362 million in security and stabilization programming.

The $659M allocated for development assistance under the Strategy
(2016-2023) has helped:

Background

The Strategy’s whole-of-government response targets areas where Canada’s involvement can make a positive difference, leverage Canadian expertise, and complementing the efforts of other partners.

Initiatives under the Strategy support transformative change to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through the Feminist International Assistance Policy, the Feminist Foreign Policy, and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

Canada contributes to the Global Coalition Against Daesh’s efforts degrade and ensure Daesh’s enduring defeat, counter violent extremism, restore stability and promote regional security. Through Op Impact, a small number of Canadian Forces remain in Iraq to support NATO Mission Iraq and the Global Coalition.

Canada is actively contributing to international efforts aimed at holding actors accountable for war crimes and violations of international law, finding political solutions to the crises, and support for the rules-based international order.

Canada will continue to work with the international community to advance Canada’s interests and values in a gender-responsive manner across the Strategy’s pillars: development assistance, security and stabilization, and diplomatic engagement.

Exports to Israel and Export Controls Protocol Generally

Top Line Messages

Latest Developments

Since October 7, 2023 the issue of export controls has received intense and sustained public, media and parliamentary attention. The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) is studying the granting of arms exports permits with a specific focus on Israel and export permits approved between October 7 and January 8 have been shared with the committee. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is in discussions with the FAAE following the committee’s motion, adopted on February 12, 2024 to produce documents related to the granting of export or brokering permits for military goods and technology to Israel.

On March 5, 2024, an Application for judicial review was filed in Federal Court that challenges any decision on export or brokering permits that may have been made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) for military goods and technology destined to Israel after October 8, 2023, or from prior that remain valid, and asks the Court to order that the Minister cease issuing any permits and cancel any valid permits.

On Monday March 18, 2024, the House of Commons adopted a non-binding motion which included a call for the government to: “cease the further authorization and transfer of arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with Canada’s arms export regime and increase efforts to stop the illegal trade of arms, including to Hamas”.

The government has not approved new arms export permits to Israel since January 8, and this remains the government’s approach. Export permits that were approved up until January 8 remain in effect. Given the nature of the supply chains, suspending all open permits would have important implications for both Canada and its allies.

Background

Export Controls Protocol

All permit applications for controlled items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Canada’s risk assessment framework, including against Arms Trade Treaty criteria, which are enshrined in the EIPA. GAC assesses approximately 5500 export permit applications every year. In 2022, Canada’s exports of military goods and technology to non-US destinations amounted to approximately $2.1 billion.

Permits for controlled items will not be issued if there is a substantial risk that they could be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law, undermine peace and security, a serious violation of international human rights law, an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to terrorism to which Canada is a party, an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to transnational organized crime to which Canada is a party, or serious acts of gender-based violence or serious acts of violence against women and children.

Export-controlled items include a wide variety of goods and technology designed for both civilian and military purposes, examples of which include telecommunications equipment, decontamination equipment, cryptographic equipment, protective equipment, simulators, imaging equipment, electronic components, firearms, and ammunition.

Exports to Israel

Since 1991, Canada has not issued permits under the EIPA to Israel for exports of any conventional arms, except for four permits for small arms. Conventional arms cover: battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large-calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles and missile launchers, and small arms and light weapons.

Gaza Development and Humanitarian Assistance

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

On October 7 2023, Hamas militants stormed southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and capturing at least 190 hostages, while indiscriminately firing thousands of rockets into Israel. In response, Israel launched retaliatory air strikes against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the densely populated Gaza Strip, while imposing a closure of Gaza, including restrictions on food imports, fuel, water, and electricity. Israel also imposed a closure of Gaza, including restrictions on food imports, fuel, water, and electricity. The relentless hostilities, bombardments, ground operations, civilian casualties, mass displacement and destruction of homes and critical infrastructure compounded by severely constrained humanitarian access are creating a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The civilian population has been displaced multiple times towards the south, where they have run out of space in Khan Younis and Rafah. Most critical civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, water and bakeries, have been destroyed or rendered non-functional. The IPC food security projections point to crisis or worse levels of food insecurity, including 876,000 facing emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels of food insecurity and 677,000 facing catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) levels of food insecurity.

Canada’s funding focuses on addressing urgent, life-saving humanitarian needs stemming from conflict between Israel and Hamas. This assistance is supporting the provision of food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance through a gender-sensitive approach. If the humanitarian crisis expands outside of Gaza and the West Bank, Canada would aim to support immediate, life-saving humanitarian needs in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, on the basis of new or revised appeals.

All of Canada’s humanitarian assistance will be delivered through long-standing and experienced Canadian partners determined by a careful review of humanitarian needs and partner capacity and presence. These partners include the Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Annex 1

Canada's International Assistance to West Bank and Gaza FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

(figures in $ millions)

Notes:

  1. Includes aid to (core funding) and through multilateral organizations.
  2. Includes international assistance from all departments, provinces, and municipalities.

Source: Statistical Reports on International Assistance

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

53.5

3.0

56.4

2021/2022

63.9

1.7

65.5

2020/2021

63.6

2.1

65.6

2019/2020

56.2

2.2

58.3

2018/2019

43.9

2.5

46.4

2017/2018

59.4

1.0

60.4

2016/2017

50.3

0.6

50.9

Total

403.5

Getting Canadians out of Gaza

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages - Denials

Background

For a Canadian, PR, or immediate family member to be authorized to exit Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, their names must be submitted to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) for approval. This is a difficult process and names have had to be regularly resubmitted for approval after being denied. Canada continues to advocate for those who have not yet been approved to cross the Rafah border.

Since November 1, Canada has facilitated the departure of over 868 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members. 56 are still in Gaza but are not leaving for a variety of reasons (mobility, security, pending approval or awaiting the approval of other family members to cross).

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

Supplementary messages

Update

On January 26, in light of the alarming allegations made against 12 of UNRWA’s staff members being involved in the Hamas attacks of October 7, Canada suspended its support of additional funding to the Agency while the UN and the Agency examined these reports and commenced its investigation into these allegations.

On March 8, given the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the decisive action taken by the UN and UNRWA, Canada announced it would reinstate its funding to the Agency. The UN has put in place several significant processes to address the allegations and reinforce its zero tolerance for terror within the UN, including UNRWA.

Canada has reviewed the interim report of the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on this matter and looks forward to the final report. Canada commends the independent review of UNRWA currently underway, led by Catherine Colonna. While these investigative processes continue, UNRWA has undertaken reform efforts and the Secretary-General has taken steps to enhance oversight and accountability within UNRWA. Canada will continue to work closely with the UN, UNRWA, and other donor countries to ensure that UNRWA meets its obligations and can continue its lifesaving work.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Since 1948, UNRWA has been the only UN organization mandated to provide basic services to over five million Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. UNRWA provides a broad range of services such as education, health, social safety net services such as basic food and shelter supplies. To deliver its programming in education, health and other essential services, UNRWA employs over 30,000 (including 13,000 in Gaza) men and women, the vast majority are Palestinian refugees themselves. Currently there is an estimate of over 3,000 staff in Gaza that are involved in the humanitarian operations.

Support for Sub-Saharan Africa

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

GAC is refining its interests and priorities as it seeks effective ways of enhancing engagement on the continent. Strengthening relations with the African Union is one part of this wider engagement agenda. Working with African countries and institutions on items of shared interest within the G7 and G20 is another.

Engagement has also been bolstered by Minister of International Trade Mary Ng’s Mandate Letter, which refers to developing a strategic economic approach to Africa. Extensive consultations have been conducted in pursuit of this commitment. Complimenting these efforts has been Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Oliphant’s efforts over the past year to engage a variety of stakeholders, seeking views on how Canada can better engage countries on the African continent.

Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Congo (Monusco) Withdrawal

Supplementary Messages

Update

Canada is closely following the withdrawal of the MONUSCO in the DRC and remains concerned about the possible consequences of a too-rapid withdrawal of the mission. The protection of civilians, especially women and children, must remain a top priority in all relief efforts in the region. Continued collaboration with international and non-governmental organizations is essential to mitigate the impact of insecurity on internal displacement and food security in the country.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have increased since May 2022. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, a Tutsi rebel military group based in eastern DRC, while Rwanda accuses the DRC of supporting the Democratic Forces of Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed Hutu rebel group based in eastern DRC. The United Nations’s most recent December 2023 report contains evidence of Rwanda's support for the M23 and the DRC’s support for the FDLR. Tensions have intensified in recent weeks amid notable M23 advances. In February 2024, protests linked to frustrations at perceived lack of reaction of the international community toward the deteriorating security situation in the east erupted in Kinshasa and targeted Western embassies, and MONUSCO staff and vehicles. The Canadian Embassy and its staff were not targeted. Dialogue appears to be open again with the announcement on March 12, 2024, of a possible meeting between the presidents of DRC and Rwanda under the Luanda peace process, at a date yet to be disclosed.

Some of the Funding Announced for DRC

Announced at Women Deliver Conference 2023 (20.07.2023)

Description: The project aims to increase women’s and girls’ bodily autonomy by expanding access to information and services related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to safe abortion care. Ipas DRC will work with government and community partners in the provinces of Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Haut Katanga, Tanganyika and Kinshasa to translate the enabling legal and policy framework into improved access to quality abortion care. The project aims to improve women’s ability to make safe reproductive choices that support their educational and career goals, which makes a significant contribution to greater gender equality in the DRC.

Announced at the G20 (10.09.2023)

Description: Beans for Women for Empowerment (Beans4Women) aims to strengthen gender equality, agency in decision-making, and resource rights of women and girls active in the bean sector in three conflict-prone provinces in Eastern DRC (North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika). The initiative aims to support food security by strengthening bean sector value chains, increasing the incomes of smallholder women and enabling them to make a living from their own land and thus enable them to better meet the challenge of nutritional security for themselves and their children.

Announced at the G20 (10.09.2023)

Description: The Women in Action project aims to increase climate change adaptation among vulnerable girls and women in the agricultural and forestry sectors in Sud- and Nord-Kivu, with benefits in terms of the conservation and restoration of forest biodiversity.

Annex 1

Canada's International Assistance to Democratic Republic of Congo FY2016/2017 - 2022/2023

(figures in $ millions)

Notes:

  1. Includes aid to (core funding) and through multilateral organizations.
  2. Includes international assistance from all departments, provinces, and municipalities.

Source: Statistical Reports on International Assistance

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

143.55

63.16

206.71

2021/2022

135.27

32.73

168.31

2020/2021

110.58

10.44

121.02

2019/2020

137.23

13.26

150.49

2018/2019

119.45

15.86

135.31

2017/2018

100.43

12.33

112.76

2016/2017

77.16

14.55

91.71

Total

873.55

Canada’s International Assistance to Ethiopia

Supplementary Message

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

The conflicts in northern Ethiopia and insecurity in several other regions have resulted in high numbers of civilian casualties, long-term disruption of essential services, displacement, and a reversal of development gains. An estimated 3.1 million Ethiopians have been internally displaced.

Chronic food insecurity and malnutrition remain some of Ethiopia’s greatest development challenges. Severe food insecurity and acute malnutrition can also be found across Ethiopia because of humanitarian crises.

Canada’s humanitarian funding helps provide food, treatment for acute malnutrition and other critical health care, access to clean water and sanitation, emergency shelter and essential household items, and protection services to those in need.

Canada provides significant support to advance GE and the empowerment of women and girls. This includes programs on SRHR and SGBV. Funded projects are combating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), and early, forced, and child marriage; as well as facilitating access to contraception and abortion services.

Canada is also investing in inclusive economic growth to support smallholder farmers and medium and small enterprises in diverse sectors. This includes access to finance and business development services to generate sustainable employment for women and girls.

Canada does not provide, and has never provided, direct budget support to the Government of Ethiopia.

Support for Sudan

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Update

On April 15, Minister Ahmed Hussen attended the humanitarian conference for Sudan and its neighbouring countries in Paris, during which he reiterated Canada’s announcement of $132.2 million in funding to Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Sudan is among the top five hunger hotspots in the world, with approximately 17.7 million people (about 40% of the population) in food insecurity crisis, and at risk of famine. Hostilities and bureaucratic impediments continue to hamper humanitarian access in critical parts of the country. The Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan projects a total of 2.7 million people will be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024. This includes up to 1.4 million people displaced into Chad, 537,000 into South Sudan, and the rest into Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic. There is a proliferation of actors attempting to negotiate a ceasefire and/or develop broader mechanisms for mediation towards an eventual return to a civilian-led transition to democracy, with little success.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

On April 15, 2023, a direct confrontation began between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group. Hostilities have resulted in more than 12,000 civilian fatalities, extensive damage to critical infrastructure and the near collapse of banking and financial services. There have been credible reports of the widespread use of ethnic and sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war—particularly against women and girls.

Tigray Humanitarian Assistance

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Background

Humanitarian Situation: Current estimates show that 21.4 million people in Ethiopia will require humanitarian assistance in 2024, due to conflict or climate-related events. This includes 15.8 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity. At least 3.27 million of these are in Tigray, which is still feeling the impact of the conflict from November 2020 to November 2022, as well as drought conditions in 2023 and 2024.

Since late 2023, many media outlets have reported on severe food insecurity and a growing fear of famine in Tigray. While the data currently available does not indicate that the technical threshold for famine has been met, there is consensus amongst humanitarian actors that food insecurity in Tigray (and several other regions) is dire, requiring an urgent scale-up of assistance.

For 2024, the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Ethiopia is seeking USD 3.24 billion to meet the needs of 15.5 million people throughout the country. Food needs represent approximately 48% of the total.

Canadian Humanitarian Assistance: In 2023, Canada provided humanitarian funding for Ethiopia totaling $55.2 million to UN agencies, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and NGOs (see Annex).

Canada provides funding to WFP, UNICEF, OCHA, and the ICRC to address humanitarian needs in the country, including in Tigray. This funding is provided at the country level, rather than being earmarked for specific regions, to allow these partners to flexibly address the greatest needs based on up to date assessments.

Two NGO partners – International Medical Corps (IMC) and World Vision (WV) – received GAC funding in 2023 for projects in Tigray. IMC is providing medical services in Western Tigray. WV is assisting conflict-affected populations in Afar, Amhara, and Tigray with safe water & sanitation, nutrition support, and protection services.

So far in 2024, GAC has allocated $30.7 million in humanitarian funding for Ethiopia. This funding envelope was announced on 12 April 2024 in relation to the crisis in Sudan. However, details of the funding are not finalized.

Aid Diversion: 2023 was marked by the discovery of widespread diversion of humanitarian assistance in Tigray and other regions of Ethiopia, causing WFP to temporarily suspend and review its operations in the country. Canada is working with WFP and other partners to ensure that measures are in place to safeguard Canada’s funding and ensure beneficiaries receive the intended assistance.

Annex: Supporting Facts and Figures

Canada’s Humanitarian Funding for Ethiopia

Partner20232024 (to date)

OCHA

$0.35M

$0.4M

UNFPA

-

$0.805M

UNHCR

$3M

UNICEF

$3M

WFP

$18M

Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund

$14.75M

$7M

ICRC

$2.8M

$2.5M

Canadian Red Cross Society

$0.08M

Action Against Hunger

$1.75M

$1.45M

CARE

$2.25M

Canadian Foodgrains Bank

$1.8M

Humanitarian Coalition

$0.815M

International Medical Corps

$2.5M

Save the Children

$1.6M

World Vision

$2.5M

Total:

$55.195M

$12.155M
(announced, remaining balance to be determined)

Canada’s Total Humanitarian Assistance in Ethiopia, 2016-2023

20162017201820192020202120222023

$32.9M

$20.7M

$26.7M

$21.7M

$24.0M

$43.3M

$65.8M

$55.2M

Support for Mali

Top Line Messages

Supplementary messages

Update

The departure of the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Fall 2023 at the request of the Malian authorities has contributed to worsening insecurity and increasing human rights abuses and sexual and gender-based violence. The Transitional authorities’ unilateral decision in January 2024 to end the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali (Algiers Accords) threatens to further destabilize the region and reverse progress made towards justice and reparation for Malian men and women impacted by the crisis. Mali’s recent decision to withdraw its membership from the Economic Community of West African States, along with Niger and Burkina Faso, signals growing isolationism. Potential economic and social repercussions include higher food prices, loss of trade-related livelihoods, and further challenges for Malian refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries.

Supporting Facts and Figures

International assistance to Mali (in $ millions)2016-20172017-20182018-20192019-20202020-20212021-20222022-2023

Global Affairs Canada

120.95

128.96

131.59

111.30

125.99

98.90

113.06

Total Canada

125.58

136.41

139.93

125.14

133.10

111.80

128.24

Background

Canada has been working in Mali since 1972. Over the last 10 years, Canada contributed to reducing inequalities between women/girls and men/boys in accessing basic health services, education, and justice. The rate of assisted births by qualified personnel increased from 26% in 2012 to 42% in 2019. Canada contributed to reducing food insecurity, malnutrition, and gender-based violence throughout the country. Canada is one of the major players in local irrigation and agricultural production, with initiatives approximating $100 million over the last decade. Canada helps improving girls’ access to quality education and supports education and vocational training for displaced and conflict-affected populations, notably for the G7 Charlevoix Education Initiative. The last bilateral project approved for Mali was in February 2022.

Assistance to China

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Responsive: Funding going to the Government of China?

Responsive: Objectives of Canada’s International Assistance in China

Responsive: Canada’s participation in the AIIB

Background

Canada’s bilateral development assistance program to China began in 1981 and ended in 2013, though Canada continues to provide small amounts of bilateral assistance to international and non-state local actors.

China remains an eligible ODA recipient under the OECD eligibility criteria. Therefore, some of Canada’s funding to multilateral development banks and Canada’s bilateral programming qualifies as ODA. In 2021-22, Canada’s international assistance to China totalled $7.59 million: $2.96 million in bilateral spending and $4.63 million in multilateral spending. Bilateral projects included the following:

The China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) ($1,496,480): The CCICED is an international advisory body that provides research-based policy recommendations on environmental and development issues. Canadian funding support costs associated with the Annual General Meeting in Beijing, including Canada’s participation in the event, and with the International Secretariat in Winnipeg. It does not support the Chinese Secretariat or China’s participation in the CCICED. Lead: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) ($798,865): The CFLI provides modest funding for small-scale, high-impact projects implemented by non-state local organisations that offer local populations direct social, economic, or technical assistance. It pursues objectives such as promoting good governance, human rights and environmental sustainability. Lead: Global Affairs Canada (GAC)

International Scholarship Programme ($167,200): Both Canada and China contribute to the funding of the Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program. GAC’s portion is disbursed via the Canadian Bureau for International Education. For Chinese scholars coming to Canada, Canadian funding covers the monthly allowance for Chinese recipients—this is distributed and spent in Canada. China covers flights to and from Canada. For Canadian scholars going to China, Canada offers plane tickets while China pays for tuition fees, insurance, and housing, and provides a monthly allowance. Lead: Canadian Bureau for International Education

Partnership for Evidence and Equity in Responsive Social Systems (PEERSS) ($117,056): Between 2018 and 2023, the initiative supported organisations in 13 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia to increase the uptake of evidence in health and social policymaking. It helped develop a standard reporting guideline for evidence briefs aimed at policymakers to be used across all PEERSS-participating organizations. Lead: International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Quebec International Scholarship Program ($376,668): Under the Québec-China scholarships program, Quebec offers 19 tuition fees exemption to Chinese students registered full-time in a program leading to an undergraduate university degree offered in the province, as well as scholarships for doctoral research and postdoctoral internships. Quebec contributes up to $500,000 annually to this program. In return, Beijing offers 15 full scholarships for short‑term internships or university studies in China, which includes tuitions fees, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly living allowance. (Note: As of 2022-23, this scholarship is no longer appears under China in the CFO-Stats country sheet as Quebec now only reports this initiative at the regional level). Lead: Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sports

Multilateral Partners:

Asian Development Bank (ADB): Canada is a founding member of ADB and is currently the 7th largest shareholder (2nd non-regional after the US), owning 5.23% of ADB’s capital subscription. The ADB’s five largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (15.6% each), China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%). The Minister of International Development is Canada’s Governor to the ADB. As China transits to high-income status and approaches the point of graduation from ADB’s assistance, ADB operations will focus on three main strategic priorities: environmentally sustainable development; climate change adaptation and mitigation; as well as an aging society and health security.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Banks (AIIB): As the lead on AIIB, questions should be directed to Finance Canada. Canada owns 1% of AIIB, which has adopted the operating framework, governance structures and best practices of similar longstanding MDBs and includes as members Australia, France, Germany and the UK. Many of the AIIB’s active projects are co-funded with other multilateral development banks and are accordingly governed by well-established rules and norms. In June 2014, Minister Freeland announced that it freeze all government-led activities in the AIIB after a former employee expressed serious concern about whether Canada’s interests are served by its AIIB membership, adding that the Communist party dominated the bank. The Department of Finance, working with partners across the federal government, including Canada’s national security agencies, are reviewing AIIB investments, as well as its governance and management frameworks.

Annexe 1

Canadian Aid/Funding to the PRC FY 2021-22

Bilateral $ProgrammeDepartmentIAE?ODA?Recipient PartnerNotes

$1,496,480

China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development

ECCC

Yes

Yes

China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development

ECCC assumed responsibility for funding CCICED in the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Per the contribution agreement Canada provides a total of $8,012,400 from 2022-2027 (Phase VII of CCICED).

$798,865

CFLI

GAC

Yes

Yes

Various

$167,200

International Scholarship Programme

GAC

No

Yes

Canadian Bureau for International Education

$117,056

Partnership for Evidence and Equity in Responsive Social Systems (PEERSS)

IDRC

Yes

Yes

International Development Research Centre and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

$376,668

Quebec International scholarship program

Quebec

No

Yes

Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport (MELS)

Annexe 2

Canada’s Multilateral International Assistance to China by Project

Departments and AgenciesProject NumberProject titleRecipient Organization2021-2022on

P002031001

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) - Institutional Support

2018-2021

UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

$92,084

P002032001

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) - Institutional Support

2018-2021

UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund

$133,929

P002441001

Seventh Replenishment (2018-2022) - Global Environment Facility

(GEF)

GEF - Global Environmental Facility

$3,979,626

P005005005

Canada’s assessed contribution to the United Nations Food and

Agriculture Organization (FAO)

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

$0

P005006005

Canada’s assessed contribution to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

$20,193

P005012005

Canada’s assessed contribution to the International Labour

Organization (ILO)

ILO - International Labour Organization

$84,382

P005028005

Canada’s assessed contribution to the World Health Organization

(WHO)

WHO - World Health Organization

$61,706

P007836001

UNHCR - Institutional Support - 2020 - 2023

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

$82,628

P009026001

Asian Development Bank - 12th Replenishment of the Asian

Development Fund 2021-2024

Asian Development Bank

$74,256

P009944001

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Institutional

Support 2021

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

$42,227

P011117002

Payment of assessed contribution to International Atomic Energy

Agency regular budget 2022

International Atomic Energy Agency

$35,152

P011118001

International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Cooperation Fund

2022

IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency

$24,243

Total

$4,630,639

Annex 3

Canada's International Assistance to China, FY 2003/2004 - 2022/2023

(figures in $ millions)

Notes:

  1. Includes aid to (core funding) and through multilateral organizations.
  2. Includes international assistance from all departments, provinces, and municipalities.

Source: Statistical Reports on International Assistance

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

10.78

2.17

12.95

2021/2022

5.60

2.00

7.60

2020/2021

5.35

1.90

7.25

2019/2020

4.79

2.19

6.98

2018/2019

12.68

28.34

41.02

2017/2018

3.99

3.08

7.07

2016/2017

5.89

3.31

9.20

2015/2016

11.71

5.13

16.84

2014/2015

12.43

5.85

18.28

2013/2014

18.92

4.32

23.24

2012/2013

24.56

8.95

33.51

2011/2012

28.23

6.08

34.31

2010/2011

30.32

2.81

33.13

2009/2010

35.98

7.98

43.96

2008/2009

79.02

5.07

84.09

2007/2008

50.26

5.36

55.62

2006/2007

45.15

-9.44

35.71

2005/2006

59.76

-4.36

55.40

2004/2005

57.66

3.17

60.83

2003/2004

49.84

8.21

58.05

Total

645.04

Uyghurs

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

In 2017, reports of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation for Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities began emerging from China’s Western Province of Xinjiang. These reports included disappearances, the use of arbitrary detention, forced labor, torture, forced sterilizations, and the mass incarceration of ethnic and religious minorities in “re-education camps.” As many as 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities were detained in the camps in 2018, according to estimates by the UN. On February 22, 2021, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion declaring China’s action in Xinjiang a “genocide”.

In light of the gravity of the allegations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) visited the region in June 2022 and released an assessment in August. The assessment found that serious human rights violations have been committed in Xinjiang and that the extent of arbitrary and discriminatory detention of members of Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim groups may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity.

China retaliated to Canadian sanctions by imposing sanctions on MPs (including Michael Chong) from the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.

Falun Gong Practitioners

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Background

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) initiated a campaign in 1999 to eliminate the spiritual practice of Falun Gong in China. It is characterized by a multifaceted propaganda campaign, a program of enforced ideological conversion and re-education and a variety of extralegal coercive measures such as reportedly arbitrary arrests, forced labor and physical torture, sometimes resulting in death.

In October 2023 Falun Gong advocates in Canada released a report detailing PRC activities against Falun Gong here in Canada. The report contains reports of PRC propaganda and lobbying undermining Falun Gong’s reputation as well as PRC’s intimidation of Falun Gong practitioners.

Falun Gong is a modern qigong discipline combining slow-moving exercises and meditation with a moral philosophy centered on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. It was founded by Li Hongzhi, who introduced it to the public in May 1992 in Changchun, Jilin. Following a period of rapid growth in the 1990s, the Communist Party launched a campaign to "eradicate" Falun Gong on 20 July 1999.

An extra-constitutional body called the 6-10 Office was created to lead the persecution of Falun Gong. The authorities mobilized the state media apparatus, judiciary, police, army, the education system, families and workplaces against the group. The campaign was driven by large-scale propaganda through television, newspaper, radio and Internet. There are reports of systematic torture, illegal imprisonment, forced labour, organ harvesting and abusive psychiatric internments, with the apparent aim of forcing practitioners to recant their belief in Falun Gong.

Foreign observers estimate that hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained in "re-education through labor" camps, prisons and other detention facilities for refusing to renounce the spiritual practice. Former prisoners have reported that Falun Gong practitioners consistently received "the longest sentences and worst treatment" in labor camps, and in some facilities, Falun Gong practitioners formed the substantial majority of the detainees.

Tibet Development

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Update

Project Description: The Implementing Partner for the Enhancing Education for Tibetan Youth Project (EETY) project is Alinea International in partnership with the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Authority in Dharamshala, India. The EETY aims to improve the educational attainment levels of Tibetan youth living in Nepal and India and improve gainful employment opportunities. EETY activities include: (1) technical training, mentoring and pilot programs as well as small grants and scholarships targeting girls; and (2) to mitigate the effects of COVID (i.e. 22 months of school closures) through a mixture of technical support, coaching, provision of supplies and improved internet. The expected outcomes for EETY include: (1) an improved home and school environment, including through parental participation and other support for girls’ and boys’ academic pursuits; (2) increased adoption of effective gender-responsive teaching practices at target schools; and (3) improved school planning and management practices.

Supporting Facts And Figures (Disbursements)

Background

In 2022, the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies and UN Special Procedures examined various reports on China’s vast system of “colonial boarding schools” inside Tibet. They collectively confirmed the details and amplified the findings. Up to one million Tibetan school children were separated from their parents and placed into these schools. In February 2023, three UN Special Rapporteurs (i.e. Minority Issues, Right to Education, and Field of Cultural Rights) wrote “We are very disturbed that in recent years the residential school system for Tibetan children appears to act as a mandatory large-scale programme intended to assimilate Tibetans into majority Han culture”. In May 2023, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) used the same language in raising concerns / criticizing the PRC over its “coercive residential schools’ system and called for them to be abolished”. The CESCR described the schools as “the large-scale campaign to eradicate Tibetan culture and language” while CEDAW describes “the devastating impacts this is having on the culture, religion, and language”.

Support for Rohingya and those impacted by ongoing violence in Myanmar

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Update

Since the coup in Myanmar in February 2021, the military regime has failed to fully consolidate its power, and violent resistance and armed conflict has grown. Myanmar is now close to failed state status and economic collapse, reversing previous democratic and economic gains with serious regional implications, and diminished prospects for any safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return of the displaced Rohingya people. Across the border in Bangladesh, in the seventh year of the Rohingya crisis, Rohingya refugees live in increasingly difficult conditions. Dwindling international attention and donor funding, has a direct impact on the lives of refugees, who are entirely reliant on insufficient international assistance for necessities like food, water, and shelter.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

In August 2017, following the Myanmar military’s attacks against the Rohingya minority, some 727,000 fled to Bangladesh, joining hundreds of thousands of Rohingya who fled previous targeted violence over past decades. Now, one million Rohingya live in extremely difficult conditions in Bangladesh, concentrated in the world’s largest and most congested refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar district. The influx of refugees has also impacted host communities, depressing wages for day labourers, and increasing competition for resources and services, including access to health care. Roughly, 600,000 Rohingya remain in Myanmar, where they continue to face systematic discrimination, limiting their access to essential services, freedom of movement, pathways to citizenship, and livelihood opportunities.

On February 1, 2021, the military forces of Myanmar deposed the civilian government, arresting the democratically elected civilian leadership, protesters, journalists, and pro-democracy activists. The regime responded brutally to protests and opposition, elements of which have now become armed. The regime has failed to fully consolidate power, and violent resistance has grown, pushing Myanmar close to failed state status and economic collapse, reversing previous democratic and economic gains. People’s Defense Forces have been formed locally throughout the country and are engaging in guerilla style fighting against the regime; meanwhile, Ethnic Armed Organizations continue decades-long conflicts with the regime forces. Political opposition has crystallized around a National Unity Government, which has formed a shadow government and is vying for international recognition, recently moving from political into armed resistance.

Since the outset of the Rohingya crisis, Canada has been a leader internationally in responding to the needs of the Rohingya people. Canada has worked to encourage positive political developments in Myanmar; ensure accountability for the crimes committed; enhance international cooperation; and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Canada’s first Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh (2018-2021) dedicated $300 million to ease the crisis facing Rohingya people. The second phase of its Strategy to respond to the Rohingya and Myanmar crises dedicated $288.3 million over three years (2021-2024). Canada is considering next steps following on the March 31, 2024 end of its current strategy.

Canada continues to provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance to support the needs in Myanmar, including the Rohingya people, and to support the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh. In 2023, Canada provided over $25 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh and Myanmar, including funding in response to Cyclone Mocha, which made landfall in Myanmar in May 2023, near the Rakhine State capital, Sittwe. Of the 3.4 million people in the high impact area of the cyclone, 1.6 million need humanitarian assistance. This includes 1.1 million people who were already in humanitarian need prior to the cyclone, but now have new or more severe needs. In response to the Cyclone, Canada provided emergency life-saving assistance to trusted humanitarian assistance partners, providing an additional $4 million in Myanmar and $1 million to the impacted refugee response in Bangladesh.

Canada has had a sanctions regime in place against Myanmar since 2007. Two rounds of new sanctions were put in place following the 2017 Rohingya Crisis. Since the coup, Canada announced a further nine rounds of sanctions as part of our commitment to support democracy and end impunity in Myanmar. These sanctions include an arms embargo, a prohibition on the export, sale, supply, shipment or shipping insurance of aviation fuel to the Myanmar military regime, and a dealings ban on listed persons, targeting both entities and individuals.

Canada has maintained a strong stance on accountability for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people, including through support to the IIMM, calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) referral and support to the ongoing ICC Prosecutor’s investigation into forced deportation. Canada has also filed a joint declaration of intervention on November 15 with Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom in the case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention.

Haiti Development and Humanitarian Assistance

Supplementary Messages

Update

The humanitarian situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly since the end of February 2024. A total of 5.5 million Haitians are now in need of humanitarian assistance, more than three million of them children. Furthermore, around 1.4 million of them are on the brink of famine. In the last month, close to 100,000 Haitians fled the capital metropolitan area, mostly to the South of the country.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

The humanitarian response is still active in the country, despite access, funding, and supply challenges. Since March 12, UN Humanitarian Air Service flights have resumed with the aim of bringing in resources for humanitarian assistance and facilitating staff rotation.

On the other hand, implementation of several development initiatives has been seriously affected by the recent surge in violence. GAC-supported projects have had to temporarily pause field activities and revert to distance-supported and/or administrative activities. While the recent appointment of the Transitional Presidential Council, a pre-condition to the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), is a step in the right direction, it will take weeks, if not months, for the situation to stabilize and projects to resume core activities.

The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) for Haiti (USD$674M) is just under 7 per cent funded. Canada’s 2024 humanitarian contribution is currently being assessed, but to date, Canada has allocated $1.1M in humanitarian assistance in Haiti (not yet publicly announced). The allocations include $1M to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and $100,000 to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In 2023, Canada provided $13.7M in humanitarian assistance.

In 2023-2024, it is anticipated that Canada will have disbursed approximately $153M in International Assistance to Haiti (preliminary data will come out in June). This includes support for initiatives to fight corruption and provide access to justice; address gender-based violence and climate change; provide school meals to children; and help restore security through supporting the Haitian National Police and MSSM.

Haiti Peace and Security

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Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Getting Canadians out of Haiti

Top Line Messages

Supplementary Messages

Background

Given that the Port-au-Prince airport has been closed since March 4 and the deteriorating security and living conditions in Haiti, Canada organized four assisted departures by helicopter from Port-au-Prince to the Dominican Republic. Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, Canadian citizens were transferred by private van to Santo Domingo. These assisted departures were only available to Canadian citizens due to the entry regulations of the local authorities. The transfer by helicopter and road was free, but travellers were responsible for all expenses in the Dominican Republic, including accommodation and the organization of their transportation back to Canada.

These were followed by six assisted departures from Port-au-Prince to a secondary safe location in Haiti by helicopter (Cap-Haïtien), and then onwards to Montreal on a chartered aircraft. These were available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members with valid travel documents. Each traveler was required to pay 600 Canadian dollars for the international flight to Canada, a fee equivalent to a one-way commercial flight from Haiti to Canada. They were also responsible for arranging their own mode of transportation to the meeting point, as well as their accommodation and onwards travel once in Montreal.

Since March 26, Canada has facilitated the departure of approximately 650 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members from Haiti.

Support for Ukraine

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Supplementary Messages

Update

Budget 2024 announced the provision of an estimated CAD $216.7 million (€137.2 million) over five years, starting in 2025-26, for Canada's share of the EBRD's €4 billion (approximately CAD $6.3 billion) general capital increase for Ukraine's reconstruction, which was approved by EBRD’s Governors in December 2023.

A high-level Canadian delegation comprised of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence visited Kyiv on February 24, 2024. During their visit, the Prime Minister signed, alongside Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, the Agreement on Security Cooperation, which provides a 10 – year assurance to the Government of Ukraine for ongoing Canadian military support and engagement on identified priorities outlined in the agreement. The security and military support remain critical to Ukraine [REDACTED].

Canada is the first non-EU member to sign a security agreement. Canada’s contributions extend beyond security. We are equally valued for contributions in humanitarian and official development assistance. Canada has maintained a long-standing relationship with Ukraine since 1991, investing in various sectors such as agriculture, elections, judicial reform, and municipal governance.

In response to the invasion, Canada has adapted its existing areas of support. For instance, Canada expanded existing gender equality programs to include survivors of conflict-related sexual violence or responding to mental health needs of communities impacted by conflict. Additionally, Canada has focused on a broad humanitarian response to support Internally Displaced People (IDPs) as they relocate and re-establish themselves in other Ukrainian communities. As an active member of the Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform (MDCP), Canada collaborates to support Ukraine’s reconstruction goals. The recent third Rapid Disaster Needs Assessment by the World Bank and Government of Ukraine underscores the need for USD15.5 billion to support immediate recovery/reconstruction costs in 2024, of which USD9.5 billion remains unfunded, and a total price tag of USD 486 billion to cover overall reconstruction needs.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Since January 2022, Canada has committed over $ 14 billion in multifaceted support, including financial, development, humanitarian, military, and security and stabilization assistance to Ukraine, as well as new immigration measures for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’ invasion. This includes:

In FY 2022-23, Global Affairs Canada’s international assistance dispersed to Ukraine totalled $411 million, including:

Highlighted Results in Bilateral International Assistance include:

Canada’s Humanitarian funding contributed to:

Background

Support for Armenia

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Supplementary Messages

Canada enjoys a very positive relationship with Armenia. Our partnership is founded on shared priorities, including long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus, as well as on the people-to-people ties built by the vibrant Armenian-Canadian community.

On October 25, Minister Joly officially opened the Canadian embassy in Yerevan. In addition to being an important symbol of Canada’s long-term support and commitment to the region, our embassy will mean Canada is better positioned to engage with the Armenian government and communities, and to contribute meaningfully to international efforts to support democracy, peace and stability in the region.

Canada also supports international efforts and measures to stabilize the situation in the South Caucasus and encourages continued progress in the dialogue for durable peace in the region. Canada welcomes the EU’s Mission in Armenia. As a concrete sign of our commitment, Canada is the first non-EU country to join the European Monitoring Mission in Armenia.

Since 2019, GAC is funding the Parliamentary Centre project “Supporting Parliamentary Reform in Armenia.” The project aims to build the institutional capacity of parliamentarians in Armenia to implement an inclusive and accountable internal governance strategy.

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Canada’s Humanitarian Response: Recognizing the severity of the situation, Canada acted quickly to support the humanitarian response to the crisis impacting ethnic Armenians who fled to Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. In 2023, Canada provided approximately $3.9 million in humanitarian assistance, which includes:

In addition, the WFP’s Immediate Response Account issued USD 1 million, and the Central Emergency Response Funds (CERF) allocated USD $4 million to support the humanitarian response in Armenia. Canada is a longstanding donor to both the WFP-IRA and the CERF.

Current Humanitarian Needs for N-K Displaced People:

2023-24 Supplementary Estimates (C)

Supplementary Messages

Background

Education (in General and in Africa)

Supplementary Messages

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Investing in education is key to alleviate poverty, advance gender equality, increase employment and economic security, and achieving all the sustainable development goals. Canada has shown leadership for education, particularly programming in conflict and crisis, through the 2018 G7 Charlevoix Education Initiative ($400 million), its international COVID-19 response ($78.9 million), and the Together for Learning campaign (2021-2023).

The world is facing an unprecedented global education crisis due to COVID, climate change and conflict, with children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) disproportionately impacted. There are 98 million children in Africa out of school and nearly 9 in 10 children in SSA struggle to read by age 10. SSA is not only the region with the highest out-of-school population but also the only region where this population is growing. It is estimated that up to 12 million young Africans are entering the job market every year. By 2050, Sub-Saharan Africa will have the largest and youngest workforce in the world. In 2024, the African Union is focused on the theme of education to build momentum and action for the achievement of sustainable development goal (SDG) 4.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Update

Supporting Facts and Figures

Background

Canada’s International Assistance to Countries

(figures in $ millions)

Notes:

  1. Includes aid to (core funding) and through multilateral organizations.
  2. Includes international assistance from all departments, provinces, and municipalities.

Source: Statistical Reports on International Assistance

Canada's International Assistance to West Bank and Gaza FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

53.5

3.0

56.4

2021/2022

63.9

1.7

65.5

2020/2021

63.6

2.1

65.6

2019/2020

56.2

2.2

58.3

2018/2019

43.9

2.5

46.4

2017/2018

59.4

1.0

60.4

2016/2017

50.3

0.6

50.9

Total

403.5

Canada's International Assistance to Democratic Republic of Congo FY2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

143.55

63.16

206.71

2021/2022

135.27

32.73

168.31

2020/2021

110.58

10.44

121.02

2019/2020

137.23

13.26

150.49

2018/2019

119.45

15.86

135.31

2017/2018

100.43

12.33

112.76

2016/2017

77.16

14.55

91.71

Total

873.55

Canada's International Assistance to Ethiopia FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

167.29

83.41

250.70

2021/2022

167.08

39.47

206.55

2020/2021

172.12

43.46

215.58

2019/2020

126.87

49.01

175.88

2018/2019

136.06

67.09

203.15

2017/2018

158.22

39.93

198.15

2016/2017

143.47

49.45

192.92

Total

1447.93

Canada's International Assistance to Sudan FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

62.84

1.67

64.51

2021/2022

111.89

71.06

182.95

2020/2021

65.76

2.35

68.11

2019/2020

32.86

0.09

32.95

2018/2019

38.94

0.00

38.94

2017/2018

25.79

0.01

25.80

2016/2017

36.41

0.18

36.59

Total

449.85

Canada's International Assistance to Ethiopia FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

167.20

83.50

250.70

2021/2022

167.08

39.47

206.55

2020/2021

172.12

43.46

215.58

2019/2020

126.87

49.01

175.88

2018/2019

136.06

67.09

203.15

2017/2018

158.22

39.93

198.15

2016/2017

143.47

49.45

192.92

Total

1442.93

Canada's International Assistance to Mali FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

113.06

15.18

128.24

2021/2022

98.90

12.90

111.80

2020/2021

125.99

7.11

133.10

2019/2020

111.30

13.84

125.14

2018/2019

131.59

8.34

139.93

2017/2018

128.96

7.45

136.41

2016/2017

120.95

4.63

125.58

Total

900.20

Canada's International Assistance to China FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

10.78

2.18

12.96

2021/2022

5.60

1.99

7.59

2020/2021

5.34

1.89

7.23

2019/2020

4.79

2.19

6.98

2018/2019

12.68

28.34

41.02

2017/2018

3.99

3.09

7.08

2016/2017

5.89

3.31

9.20

Total

92.06

Canada's International Assistance to Myanmar FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

50.36

1.27

51.63

2021/2022

42.43

3.98

46.41

2020/2021

48.19

7.19

55.38

2019/2020

58.77

7.12

65.89

2018/2019

51.51

7.72

59.23

2017/2018

31.12

9.26

40.38

2016/2017

32.15

7.31

39.46

Total

358.38

Canada's International Assistance to Haiti FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

130.65

9.46

140.11

2021/2022

80.20

9.68

89.88

2020/2021

93.18

4.90

98.08

2019/2020

90.48

6.09

96.57

2018/2019

85.16

11.19

96.35

2017/2018

107.42

14.31

121.73

2016/2017

103.61

22.92

126.53

Total

769.25

Canada's International Assistance to Ukraine FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

756.31

5020.53

5776.84

2021/2022

285.43

22.70

308.13

2020/2021

205.18

7.11

212.29

2019/2020

138.53

7.33

145.86

2018/2019

141.87

28.41

170.28

2017/2018

149.47

7.05

156.52

2016/2017

129.27

7.77

137.04

Total

6906.96

Canada's International Assistance to Armenia FY 2016/2017 - 2022/2023

Fiscal YearGACOGDsTotal

2022/2023

1.60

0.25

1.85

2021/2022

5.81

0.37

6.17

2020/2021

0.78

0.19

0.97

2019/2020

1.40

0.14

1.54

2018/2019

1.42

1.11

2.53

2017/2018

0.92

0.36

1.28

2016/2017

1.71

0.72

2.43

Total

16.77

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