Good morning, honourable members.
My name is Aaron Brown. I'm a Canadian citizen who believes in equality, peace, and prosperity for all. I am fortunate to have been raised in Canada, with access to health care when I needed it, a good education, and a community where I could play outside without fear. But hundreds of millions of people don't have these basic human rights and services.
I've seen the impact of Canada's investment in these countries. Far fewer mothers and children are dying; however, there's still a lot to be done. The needs are great.
International assistance has the reputation of being about charity, but it's more than that. It's about strengthening the global community. It's about economic growth abroad and at home, reducing the risk of deadly pandemics abroad and at home, and decreasing violent extremism abroad and at home.
We have heard a lot about new commitments and policies lately, and I know they have not been backed with any new or additional money to see them through. To deliver on these commitments and policies, I urge you to recommend an increase in international assistance in your report to Parliament on budget 2018.
Thank you for your time.