Will Canada increase overseas development assistance and prioritize women organizations it supports?
On February 8, 2024, Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate if Canada will increase its overseas development assistance and prioritize women organizations it supports. Watch:
Hon. Ratna Omidvar:
My question is for Senator Gold. Senator Gold, international organizations and non-governmental organizations have been on the Hill. We have met with them. You have met with them, I know.
They have told me about the resounding success of Canada’s feminist foreign policy, particularly in regard to Canada’s investment in women-led grassroots organizations.
Women affected by war and gender-based violence are now actively involved in processes enhancing their laws and structures, and, therefore, they are more secure and safe. That is proof positive that our feminist foreign policy is working. Yet, last year, the government reduced its overseas development assistance by a full 15%. That is a huge cut.
Given the effectiveness of women peacebuilders in laying a foundation for lasting peace, can you tell us if the government will reconsider this decision and prioritize women’s organizations?
Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, senator. I did, indeed, as many did, meet. I cannot comment on any potential future budgetary acquisitions, but I can say that the government has advanced its targets and priorities that are set out in Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, and will continue that important work.
It’s worth mentioning — but it’s no comfort to the organizations — the decrease also reflects an increase during the pandemic, and so it is important to recognize that funding, overall, has remained more stable. There’s always more that is needed to do the important work, and the government is committed to improving how its international assistance is delivered using a feminist, human rights-based and inclusive approach.
Senator Omidvar: Thank you, Senator Gold. That is good information, yet the stakeholders tell me that there are factors that complicate their work: Climate change is one of them, and women are increasingly at risk because of the cultural expectations, norms and structures of the societies they live in.
I would like to ask you to please convey to the government that increasing climate finance commitments to the Global South would be a wise move in order to fulfill its feminist foreign policy objectives.
Senator Gold: Thank you for that; it’s important.
Again, just to be more precise about my earlier answer, the government has actually doubled its international climate finance from $2.65 billion — from 2015 to 2021, which is pre‑‑pandemic — to $5.3 billion from 2021 through to 2026. I understand the government will continue to support women’s leadership, decision making and climate change action, and ensure that at least 80% of climate projects integrate gender equality in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.