At less than 2% of the annual federal budget, Canadian foreign aid plays a critical role in saving lives and helping millions of people worldwide pull themselves out of poverty.

Whether investing in agricultural innovations to improve farming practices or training healthcare professionals to save lives, Canadian aid dollars are making a real difference.
Still Canada is facing pressure to cut the aid budget as the government looks for ways to reduce the deficit. As you read this, the government is finalizing its budget and deciding the fate of Canada’s foreign aid spending.
That’s why the Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) – of which World Renew is a member – is asking you to join them in signing this petition calling on the Canadian government to protect vital foreign aid funding.
 Cuts to programs that fight global poverty won’t eliminate the deficit. But it will reduce the impact Canada can have in supporting citizens in developing countries to climb their way out of poverty. By protecting the aid budget, Canada can continue to play its part in the fight against extreme poverty.
In 2012-2013, $370 million was cut from Canada’s aid budget, including $290 million in unspent aid money that was returned to the Treasury Board. This money was meant to support foreign aid efforts and could have made an impact in the lives of millions of people living in poverty.

To sign the petition and share messages on the campaign, visit the Campaign’s site

 

Photo: Fidelis Khoma and his two sons help him implement the ‘conservation farming’ techniqe taught to them by World Renew’s partner, the Reformed Church of Mozambique. The Khoma Family is World Renew’s Free a Family family in Southern Arica.
Photo Credit: Robin Wyatt