Mulcair to restore Canadian leadership on foreign aid

After years of dwindling foreign aid contributions, it’s time for a Prime Minister who is committed to ensuring Canada makes a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest.

“I think that it is a fundamental Canadian value to do more, to help the needy in the world, to help on issues like international cases of poverty, help build democracy, help defend women's rights. Those are core Canadian values,” said Mulcair during tonight’s leaders’ debate. “Canadians understand that it's only by investing that we can help democracy and help alleviate poverty. And importantly as well, we can help build Canada's standing in the world. We have lost that.”

Development aid is a critical investment in global security. That is why an NDP government will reverse the Conservatives’ cuts to Canada’s Development Assistance budget, and set a timetable to increase this to 0.7% of Canada’s Gross National Income (GNI). Poverty reduction, human rights and women’s equality will be at the heart of our international development policy.