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February 3rd, 2020

NDP Statement on International Development Week

The NDP Critic for International Development, Heather McPherson, released the following statement:

"Canada’s reputation on the international stage is a point of pride for Canadians. Our influence as a country and the security of Canadians abroad is dependent on the role we continue to build for ourselves in the world.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of International Development Week. We commend Canadian international development workers who are committed to helping the poorest and most vulnerable people in the developing world and who are ensuring we leave no one behind. Today, we celebrate Canada’s development efforts which have improved the lives of millions of people around the world.

As New Democrats, we are proud of our nations’ legacy of leadership in international development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by Canada in 2015, offers an opportunity to create a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world. We must live up to the goals set out within it. Strong Canadian international development policy will help alleviate poverty, uphold gender equity, and support global peace and security.

Unfortunately, the Liberal government has continued the Conservative failure to live up to our legacy and has, in fact, fallen further behind. Canada’s spending on Official Development Assistance (ODA) is not only far below the legacy target of 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI), but at 0.26% is at the lowest level in 50 years.

During International Development Week, we call on the federal government to move from good words to real action to meet our commitments to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and increasing our ODA.

Canada must deliver on its promises on the world stage through leadership on diplomacy, gender equality, and sustainable development.

This week, and every day, New Democrats join Canadians in celebrating the achievements and commitments of Canadian development workers in building a better world for all."