Restore KAIROS funding and eliminate political interfernce in aid agenda: NDP

OTTAWA – Canada’s New Democrats are demanding the Minister for International Cooperation immediately restore funding for the acclaimed Canadian foreign aid organization KAIROS and eliminate political interference in CIDA’s foreign and development aid decisions.

“The head of CIDA contradicted Minister Oda and testified in committee last week that she recommended funding for KAIROS be approved. It was the Minister who stepped in and interfered with the decision, tainting what should have been a fair and independent process,” said New Democrat Critic for International Cooperation John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River).  “Ms. Oda needs to level with Canadians and admit that KAIROS is in fact fully qualified. She must restore their funding immediately.”

Rafferty’s comments come after testimony from Margaret Biggs, President of CIDA, at the Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee, who confirmed that she personally recommended that the Minister approve funding for KAIROS.  “It was her decision,” Biggs testified, “after due consideration, to not accept the department's advice.”

“The people of Canada want the government to respect the work of the civil service and accept science and evidence based research. The Conservatives must commit to putting aside partisanship and spend tax-payer dollars effectively when it comes to foreign aid,” Rafferty said.  “The first thing this Minister should do to rebuild public trust in their aid policy is to immediately restore funding for KAIROS and eliminate such political interference moving forward.”