Canada gives approximately $6 billion in foreign aid each year.
For more information read below
Canada is committed to providing foreign aid to help alleviate poverty, promote sustainable development, and support humanitarian initiatives around the world. The country places significant importance on international cooperation and has been actively involved in global efforts to address ongoing challenges and provide assistance to those in need.
Canada gives approximately $6 billion in foreign aid each year, reflecting its commitment to global development and humanitarian assistance. This aid is disbursed through various channels, including bilateral partnerships, multilateral organizations, and direct program funding. While the allocation of funds may vary each year based on changing priorities and global needs, Canada consistently invests a substantial amount towards international development initiatives.
A famous quote by former Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson, highlights the importance of foreign aid: “How can there be peace without people understanding each other, and how can this be if they don’t know each other?” This quote emphasizes the significance of fostering mutual understanding and cooperation on a global scale, which is often achieved through foreign aid initiatives.
Here are some interesting facts about Canada’s foreign aid:
- Canadian foreign aid is governed by the International Development Assistance Act, which mandates the country to promote sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries.
- The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) was the primary agency responsible for Canada’s foreign aid until its merger with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development in 2013.
- Canada focuses its foreign aid efforts on key thematic priorities, including poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, inclusive governance, and peace and security.
- In addition to financial assistance, Canada also provides technical expertise, knowledge sharing, and capacity building support to partner countries.
- Canadian foreign aid has played a crucial role in responding to humanitarian crises worldwide, including providing emergency food aid, healthcare services, and shelter assistance.
- Canada has a strong commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, allocating a significant portion of its foreign aid towards programs that address these issues.
- The country partners with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and various development banks to leverage resources and maximize the impact of its foreign aid efforts.
- Canadian international assistance has supported a wide range of initiatives, such as improving education access, strengthening healthcare systems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering democratic governance.
Table:
| Year | Foreign Aid Contribution (in billions of CAD) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $5.87 |
| 2016 | $6.04 |
| 2017 | $6.04 |
| 2018 | $6.04 |
| 2019 | $6.24 |
| 2020 | $6.31 |
| 2021 | $6.00 (estimated) |
Please note that the table is for illustrative purposes only and figures may vary.
Watch related video
In a video titled “FACT CHECK: Does Canada send foreign aid to wealthy, hostile countries?”, it is clarified that the claim that Canada provides foreign aid to wealthy, hostile nations is not accurate. While some funds are allocated to countries like Iran, North Korea, and Russia, these funds are not given directly to their governments. For instance, the money allocated to Iran is used to enforce the Iran nuclear deal, while funds provided to Russia are used for election monitoring. The majority of Canada’s foreign aid, totaling around 2.2 billion dollars, is actually directed towards low-income and lower middle-income countries in need, such as Congo, Bolivia, and Honduras. The suggestion that reducing funding to high-earning countries or hostile states would result in significant savings is considered unlikely.
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Canada’s international assistance spending increased by 27.0% to CAD$8.4 billion in 2021, up from CAD$6.6 billion in 2020. In 2019, Canada’s budget for international assistance total was $6.2 billion dollars. Canada spent over $7.6 billion on international assistance in 2020-2021, which is a record high. Since the 1950s Canada has been distributing cash, goods and services to poorer nations around the world.
Canada’s international assistance spending increased by 27.0% to CAD$8.4 billion in 2021, up from CAD$6.6 billion in 2020. International assistance accounts for approx. 1.6% of 2021 federal budget spending – significantly up from last years 1.0% budget expenditure in 2020.
In 2019, Canada’s budget for international assistance total was $6.2 billion dollars.
Canada spent over $7.6 billion on international assistance in 2020-2021, which is a record high.
Since the 1950s Canada has been distributing cash, goods and services to poorer nations around the world. In 2012 the federal government ‘s foreign aid spending totalled $5.67 billion (2.5 per cent of all federal spending).