My name is Iker Zulbaran, and I am a member of the University of Prince Edward Island chapter of Engineers Without Borders.
In budget 2019, I'm asking that Canada commit to a 10-year timetable of predictable annual increases of up to 15% to the international assistance envelope. This is in keeping with the recommendation that the committee made last year in its report on pre-budget consultations and an OECD report on Canada released in mid-September.
I was really encouraged to see the Government of Canada commit to increase ODA in budget 2018, but despite this increase, Canada's ODA spending is still near a historic low and below many of our global peers. The increase will simply keep the aid budget on track with inflation.
ODA is fundamental to our shared global prosperity. These investments support vital services such as health care and education in some of the least developed countries. Increased ODA through the predictable timetable of budget 2019 will show that Canada is a committed global leader as this funding helps create a better world for everyone.
Thank you so much.