Good morning.
My name is Cael Warner. I am a student member of the UBC Okanagan chapter of Engineers Without Borders.
Engineers Without Borders is a non-government organization that invests in people and ventures creating a thriving sustainable world. Our community includes four university and professional chapters with 2,500 active members. We provide seed funding, talent, and mentorship to social enterprises throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
I'm speaking to you today because the Government of Canada is committed to restoring and renewing international assistance to focus on the poorest and most vulnerable people. Canada has taken steps to re-engage the world stage. While these announcements are welcomed, Canada's recent development assistance is the lowest of any modern Canadian government, in comparison to our G7 counterparts, impairing Canada's ability to implement the 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals.
In budget 2017, I ask that Canada commits to predictable increases to the international assistance envelope of 10% annually to the end of the 42nd Parliament, with a publicly available timetable for doubling the envelope by 2023. This would benefit Canada in implementing the 2030 sustainable development agenda.
Strong official development assistance commitments align with this ministerial mandate and are a decisive stepping stone toward early progress in the sustainable goals.
Thank you so much for your time.