Ottawa, ON – Results Canada expresses deep disappointment with today’s federal budget announcement, which includes a $2.7 billion cut over 4 years to the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) — the primary source of Canada’s foreign aid funding.
This decision comes despite Prime Minister Mark Carney’s clear campaign commitment that "my government will not cut foreign aid." Today’s budget not only breaks that promise but is a missed opportunity for Canada to invest in a more stable and prosperous world.
“These cuts are frankly disappointing,” said Taryn Russell, executive director of Results Canada. “Our aid investments have always been relatively small but have an outsize contribution to a safer, healthier, and more equitable world. Reducing them is a detriment to Canada long-term”
While international assistance represented a tiny fraction of Canada’s overall spending—just 34 cents out of every $100—its impact was immense.
Not only do our investments help save millions of lives, but they also build strong health systems abroad that protect Canadians by preventing the next pandemic, while investments in nutrition, education, and economic inclusion foster stability and prosperity in regions that become tomorrow’s trading partners.
This decision comes amid a broader global trend of wealthy nations reducing support for international assistance. The G7 — which provides roughly three-quarters of all global aid — is on track to slash funding by nearly one-third by 2026. These cuts will represent the steepest drop since 1960.
Cuts of this magnitude are already being felt in fragile countries where international assistance funds critical health and education services. As the current president of the G7, Canada could have set an example by remaining steadfast in our global commitments, but the government chose a different path.
“Investing in international development isn’t just about compassion,” said Russell. “Canada’s long-standing leadership in global cooperation has strengthened our security, advanced our economic interests, and reflected our core values. Now is the time to build on that legacy, not step back from it.”
Results Canada urges the government to reverse these cuts and reaffirm its commitment to protecting and strengthening international assistance funding. Canada’s global leadership has saved millions of lives. We must not turn our backs now.
Results Canada is a non-partisan advocacy organization that mobilizes everyday Canadians to generate the political will to end extreme poverty.
Denise MacDonald, Senior Communications Manager, Results Canada
denise@resultscanada.ca
