NDP only party to commit to increasing development assistance

Harper’s lost decade has left Canada on the sidelines: Laverdière

NDP International Development critic Hélène Laverdière announced that an NDP government would commit $500 million in new funding for Canada’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) over the next four years.

“Half a billion dollars in new funding will establish the baseline for a multi-year commitment to increase Canada’s ODA budget to 0.7% of GNI,” said Laverdière. “We will reverse the Liberal and Conservative cuts and restore Canada’s position as a leader in international development.”

This increase in development assistance will help to rebuild Canada’s engagement in sub-Saharan Africa and fragile and conflict-affected states. Poverty reduction, women’s equality, human rights, good governance and democracy promotion will be central to Canada’s international development policy under a New Democrat government.

“Ending global poverty is not only the right thing to do—it is also the wise thing to do,” said Laverdière. “The Liberals and Conservatives refuse to make ODA funding a priority, only an NDP government will show leadership on the world stage.”

“Under the Conservatives and the Liberals, cuts to Canada’s official development assistance harmed our efforts to end global poverty and global insecurity. It’s time for Canada to take its place as a strong and engaged global citizen,” continued Laverdière. “Tom Mulcair is a principled, trustworthy leader with the experience needed to lead Canada in a changing world.”