Over the years, reviews of CIDA programming by Parliamentary and Senate committees and by the Auditor General, have consistently indicated that Canada`s aid program lacked focus and clear results. The message was clear that CIDA needed a thorough review
Since being elected, our government has been working to ensure that Canada`s international assistance is more effective, more focused and more accountable.
Our effectiveness agenda is two-fold. First, we have focussed geographically by establishing countries of focus. Secondly, we have focussed our efforts thematically. Our three priority themes are food security, children and youth and economic growth.
Earlier this month, my colleague Bev Oda, the Minister of International Cooperation, announced that Canada is providing $30 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support its operations. This funding is in addition to the $185 million provided by our Government to the WFP so far in 2009.
Our contributions to the WFP help vulnerable populations and respond to a range of humanitarian situations around the world. In fact, we are helping meet the food and nutritional needs of an estimated 14 million beneficiaries in seven countries in Africa, the Middle East, and South America. We are also helping 3.7 million refugees who live in difficult conditions for long periods of time and rely completely on international assistance to meet their most basic needs.
I’m proud of the action our Government has taken, making us the third largest single-country donor to the World Food Programme!
Unfortunately, we cannot fund every project that is submitted to our Government for consideration. Such is the case with funding to KAIROS. With the establishment of our new priorities, previous funding should not be considered as a guarantee for future support. While we receive many excellent proposals, we cannot possibly fund every one and we have to make difficult decisions. However, it is important to note that several of KAIROS’ member organizations continue to receive separate funding from CIDA and KAIROS may re-apply for funding for future initiatives that are effective, accountable and will make a difference in the lives of those living in poverty in developing countries.
As CIDA continues to move toward a closely focused and effective aid agenda every project will be reviewed against our priorities as they evolve and within the context of the best, most effective means of achieving results.
I would invite you to visit CIDA`s website at www.acdi-cida.gc.ca for more information about the action our Government has taken to ensure aid effectiveness and accountability.
Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at 204-345-9762. You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at 204-346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@mts.net.
