Who handles international development?
International Development
International development is primarily federal. Global Affairs Canada manages foreign aid and trade, provinces participate through trade missions, and municipalities engage through sister city programs.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● Canada's international development budget is administered by Global Affairs Canada, with a focus on the $2 billion International Development Research Centre.
- ● Canada committed to providing 0.7% of Gross National Income for official development assistance, though actual spending has varied.
- ● The Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change includes international climate finance commitments of $3 billion by 2025.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Global Affairs Canada (foreign aid and diplomacy)
- ● International trade agreements
- ● Refugee and humanitarian assistance
- ● Development finance (e.g., FinDev Canada)
💡 Example: Contact Global Affairs Canada, or your MP about foreign policy and development aid.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial trade missions
- ● International partnerships and agreements
- ● Provincial development aid contributions
- ● Export promotion programs
💡 Example: Contact your provincial trade ministry about international partnerships.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Sister city programs
- ● Local international exchange programs
- ● Community international partnerships
- ● Municipal international development initiatives
💡 Example: Contact your city council about sister city programs or international exchanges.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your MP about Canada's international development priorities and foreign aid allocations.
- ● Support Canadian international development NGOs and volunteer with organizations working on global issues.
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Global Affairs Canada manages Canada's international development assistance, foreign policy, trade, and diplomacy. It administers the International Development Research Centre and manages bilateral and multilateral aid programs.
Canada commits 0.7% of its Gross National Income to official development assistance, approximately $3.5 billion annually. This includes bilateral aid, multilateral contributions, and humanitarian assistance.
Canada focuses on 13 priority countries including Afghanistan, Haiti, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, plus Canada's North.
Canada emphasizes gender equality, democracy, human rights, and peacebuilding in its aid programs. It also focuses on food security, health, and education in its priority countries.
Donate to registered Canadian charities working internationally, volunteer with organizations like CUSO, advocate for fair trade policies, and stay informed about global issues.