OTTAWA – Canada’s New Democrats denounced the Conservative government’s decision to strip federal funding for the Canadian Centre for International Cooperation (CCIC), and said the decision is just the latest in a series of ideologically motivated decisions that are undermining Canada’s reputation in global affairs.

“The CCIC has carried out some amazing work over the years and the decision to strip their federal funding, without an explanation, is absolutely shameful,” said New Democrat Critic for International Cooperation John Rafferty (Thunder Bay—Rainy River). “The Harper government seems intent on destroying respected Canadian groups who don’t offer complete and unwavering support for their misguided foreign aid and development policies. It’s the response of a bully and distinguished organizations like the CCIC deserve better.”

Rafferty said he believes the cuts to the CCIC and other recent cuts to respected aid groups have been motivated by ideology and politics instead of effectiveness. “Just like with KAIROS, this government chooses to punish those who don’t agree with its policies, instead of rewarding effective organizations,” he said. “Minister Oda and this government have been offside with those who deliver programs on the ground in the developing world. Instead of listening to the experts and working towards more effective programs, they have decided to silence their critics. It’s a narrow-minded approach and it’s damaging Canada’s reputation abroad.”

The CCIC represents over 100 Canadian civil society organizations and has over 40 years of experience in monitoring and analyzing federal policies on foreign affairs, aid, trade, peace-building, environmental justice and human rights. As a result of the Harper government’s decision to strip federal funding, the CCIC has been forced to lay off two-thirds of its staff and put its head office up for sale. Member groups of the CCIC include the Canadian Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Oxfam Canada, and the Canadian Lutheran World Relief, among many others.