Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question raised by the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands regarding Canada's commitment to international assistance. This is an important issue that speaks directly to Canada's values and our role within the global community. In this vein, I want to acknowledge the deep commitments of international development organizations and their frontline workers who advance peace, prosperity and stability around the world. Their work reflects Canada's values and our long-standing belief that international assistance is an essential pillar for global security and shared prosperity.
Let us be clear. Our government remains firmly committed to Canada's international assistance priorities. We continue to fight poverty; advance gender equality; strengthen health, education and food systems; build climate resilience; and deliver urgent humanitarian aid. These investments are not optional. They are essential to preventing conflict, responding to crises, promoting prosperity and security, and fostering lasting stability.
Canada's international assistance spending grew significantly in recent years to respond to global crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. Budget 2025 announced a reduction of roughly $2.7 billion over four years, returning spending to the more sustainable pre-pandemic levels. In today's fiscal climate, it is more important than ever that our international assistance, including official development assistance, be strategic and impactful.
Moving forward, we are prioritizing results and effectiveness to ensure every dollar supports meaningful impacts and outcomes. Providing international assistance also strengthens Canada's security, economic resilience and global influence by promoting the stability vital to our shared prosperity. It ensures that international assistance efforts not only reduce poverty abroad, but also generate mutual benefits including economic opportunities for Canadians.
This is why our government takes a pragmatic and principled approach. We are focusing our multilateral and bilateral efforts where Canada can advance shared priorities, strengthen economic resilience and support stability, helping our partners grow while benefiting Canadians at home. We are using all available tools to maximize the impact of our assistance, while remaining guided by our core values of human rights, gender equality and poverty reduction.
Despite the challenges, there is opportunity. Partner countries are seeking relationships that support their priorities and give them space to grow, helping them build stronger economies, improve governance and strengthen climate resilience.
By positioning Canada as a trusted partner, we not only advance these outcomes abroad, but we also advance our own security, economic interest and global influence. Our international assistance is focused on creating a more stable, prosperous and resilient world. Canada's long-standing experience in international assistance underscores that leadership is measured by effectiveness, credibility and long-term engagement. This why we continue to work with trusted Canadian partners, multilateral institutions and local organizations to deliver results. As the world evolves, Canada remains committed to our international assistance objectives and unwavering in addressing poverty, inequality and instability. Canada leads with purpose, compassion and pragmatism to deliver real results at home and abroad.