NDP Statement on International Development Week

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

This week is International Development Week, a week to recognize the important role Canada must play in the world.

Canada has a long history of punching above our weight on the world stage. Unfortunately, over the past decade we have fallen behind, becoming a mere shadow of what we have been and what we could be. We have an important role to play in upholding human rights, assisting the world’s most vulnerable, and helping to resolve the root causes of global conflict and instability by addressing poverty, inequality, and injustice.

This year has shown that now, more than ever, Canadians must understand the interconnectedness of our world and that the health and prosperity of Canadians is tied to the health and prosperity of all people. The challenges facing humanity such as COVID-19, the climate crisis and the economic crisis, are global in scale and therefore need global solutions.  

As we come together virtually to celebrate International Development Week 2021, we recognize the vital role Canadian international development workers and Canadian Civil Society Organizations play in ensuring development results are maintained and do not slide backwards during this pandemic.

New Democrats will fight to ensure that no one is left behind and that Canada takes on greater leadership in the world – leadership which includes commitment to boosting Canada’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), recognizing and acting to ensure impacts of COVID-19 do not derail development gains, and implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure the world is a safer, stronger and more just place for all.

During International Development Week, we call on the federal government to ensure that Canada positions itself as a global leader that drives decision making, progress and cooperation through its actions.