Canadian International Development Agency

June 04, 2009

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has operated for 40 years providing assistance to developing countries and responding to global disasters.  In 2006-2007, CIDA’s budget was $2.778 billion.  The current budget has increased to $2.9 billion with a projected increase by 2011 to $5 billion.

CIDA disperses funds through three venues. First, Bilateral -- this is country directed and amounts to 53% of grants and contributions.  These funds are for disaster relief and humanitarian aid.  The main focus of this funding seeks to improve the education, health, economy, governance and judicial system in least developed countries.  Funding is provided when budgets are transparent with monitoring and reporting requirements.

Second, Multilateral & Geographic Programs – this amounts to 39% of funding, intended to support the work of international organizations, such as UN agencies, the World Health Organization or the World Food Program, and the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Malaria and Tuberculosis, either in their global work or work undertaken in one or more specific countries.  Canada through the Food Aid Convention is now the number two supplier of food aid in the world, second only to the USA. This fact should make us all proud of our country’s generosity to meet global needs.

Third, Partnerships -- 8% of the funding goes to Partnerships with Canadian non-profit organizations (NGOs). These NGOs, working in multiple developing countries, receive support for assorted humanitarian and educational projects.  This support affords many Canadians the opportunity to participate and experience the development work taking place worldwide.

Canada also responds to natural disasters and/or conflict and assists organizations such as the Red Cross-and Red Crescent Societies, UNESCO, Doctors Without Borders, and UN refugee support agencies.

We are all citizens of the global community in which peace and security can only exist if all people have ample food and freedom.  We cannot in good conscience neglect the needs of the starving or suppressed people of the world.  Our country has a proud tradition of generosity that has helped improve social justice, law and order, and economic development to developing nations.  Canadians must continue to act with humanity and compassion. 

For more information go to www.cida.gc.ca

Colin Mayes MP Okanagan/Shuswap