Those whom I talked to are very clear that they see the aid program as being about making a difference for the poor. We have many other programs that deal with Canada's interests. That's not to say that the development of the economies in the countries in which we're working does not provide benefits to Canada in the long term. As long as the aid program is not subordinated to these other objectives, there can be complementarity. We need to keep our eye on the ball.
On May 21st, 2013. See this statement in context.