As a representative of an international aid organization, I'm not going to speak to the geopolitical value of Canada's Africa strategy, but I will say that the fact it exists is important, as is the fact that Canada recognizes that there is engagement needed in Africa. A huge portion of the work we do takes place in Africa.
One thing we would note is that in any strategy for engagement, humanitarian assistance and the need to address the large number of humanitarian crises and conflicts that remain on the African continent are of paramount importance. Whatever the strategy that brings Canada there, it is essential for humanitarian assistance to remain a fundamental component of how Canada engages with different parts of the world, including very much in Africa, where we continue to see an overrepresentation of conflict and crises.
