OXFAM: Tell your MP to keep aid focused on poverty and human rights

OXFAM: Tell your MP to keep aid focused on poverty and human rights

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Keep aid focused on poverty and rights
Big changes are underway in Canada’s aid program. As part of budget Bill C-60, the federal government plans to merge the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).
Let’s make sure that ending poverty and promoting human rights remain at the heart of Canada’s international development efforts, Please reach out to your Member of Parliament.
Big changes are underway in the Canadian international development landscape.In March, the federal government announced it would merge the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT). Two weeks ago, omnibus budget legislation (Bill C-60) was introduced, setting out the framework for the merger.
Before the House of Commons votes on Bill C-60 in June, we urgently need you to reach out to your Member of Parliament. We need to ensure that ending poverty and promoting human rights are at the heart of our international development efforts.
Canada has been a leader in promoting women’s rights and gender equality, food security and the eradication of polio. Canadians can be proud of the results of this good work. But there is still a lot to accomplish on the road to a more equitable world and the CIDA-DFAIT merger raises several key questions:

• How will it impact development priorities?
• Will Canada’s foreign aid maintain a focus on reducing poverty and promoting rights?
• How much of Canada’s aid budget will be devoted to reducing poverty vs other foreign policy and trade interests?
• Where do NGOs, with decades of experience in working with the poor, fit in?

Act right now. The House of Commons is due to vote on Bill C-60 very soon