Canada’s International Development Minister, Ahmed Hussen, recently announced a significant commitment of $272.1 million towards foreign aid projects in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region. This move further solidifies Canada’s enduring alliance with these regions, reflecting the nation’s ongoing commitment to fostering global relationships.
“This funding is a testament to Canada’s commitment to strengthening our longstanding ties with Bangladesh and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Through the support of healthcare services for vulnerable communities, women empowerment, and climate change initiatives, we are paving the way for a brighter global future,” commented Hussen.
This funding will be allocated to 14 different projects across Bangladesh and other Indo-Pacific countries, supplementing contributions from other international partners and donors. This move by the federal Liberal government underscores a stark contrast in Canada’s approach to foreign development assistance compared to the previous American administration under Republican President Donald Trump, who had halted funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Trump administration had previously frozen U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, disrupting aid programs worldwide and leading to the furloughs of thousands of government employees and contractors. Trump and his Republican appointees viewed foreign aid programs as a misuse of taxpayers’ money, while critics argued that such spending enhanced America’s global standing and countered foreign interference.
Meanwhile, Canada’s new projects will largely focus on gender equality and enhancing sexual and reproductive health rights for women and girls. It also aims at providing inclusive education and skills training, strengthening communities’ resilience to climate change, boosting civic engagement, and poverty reduction.
One of the projects, named “Empowering Women in the Nursing Sector,” has been allocated a $6.3 million funding increase over three years. Minister Hussen and Parm Bains, a Liberal Member of Parliament from British Columbia, announced this aid at a Vancouver event attended by leaders of the Bangladeshi community. This announcement comes just ahead of the possible spring election with a new leader for the Liberal government.
Canada’s commitment to foreign aid reflects its dedication to global development and international relations. With over 100,000 Bangladeshi-Canadians now residing in Canada, this move further strengthens the bond between the two nations.
