NEW DEMOCRATS URGE LIBERAL GOVERNMENT TO MEET UN TARGET FOR INTERNATIONAL AID

OTTAWA – As the Global Fund conference kicks off in Montreal today, New Democrats are urging the Liberal government to do step up their commitment to international aid. The Global Fund, founded in 2002, is a partnership between governments, civil society, and the private sector to fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

“While we’re pleased to see Canada host this important conference,” said Robert Aubin, the NDP’s critic for International Development. “The Liberal government’s refusal to adequately increase Canada’s international aid budget sends the wrong signal to our international partners. Once again the government chooses style over substance.”

New Democrats have long supported the UN target for all countries to raise their development assistance to 0.7% of their gross national product. Several donor countries, including the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, have already met or exceeded this goal.

“International aid is essential to building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient world,” said Hélène Laverdière, NDP Foreign Affairs Critic. “Last year Canada’s aid budget was less than 0.3% of GNP, that’s well below OECD average. We can and must do better.”