Bev Oda

[International Cooperation, December 7th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as we have articulated, we want to ensure that our international efforts are effective. This means that tough decisions will have to be made.

However, it also means we will continue to support the Primate's World Relief, which is working in Bangladesh, Mozambique and Tanzania improving the health care for women and working on HIV-AIDS; the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, because it is supporting national literacy; the Mennonite Central Committee, because it is providing food security and income generation; the United Church of Canada, because it is also providing support for increased--

[International Cooperation, December 7th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the member's question gives me an opportunity to re-articulate our government's commitment to effective international development and aid.

We want to make sure we are making a difference. That is why we are supporting strengthening justice systems, human rights commissions and ombudsmen. We are also ensuring that people on the ground are getting access to education and better health care.

These efforts are really making a difference in the lives of those living in poverty.

[International Aid, December 3rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this is a crucial time because for the first time in human history the number of hungry people worldwide will exceed one billion.

As the number of people who have moved into extreme poverty and hunger increases, Canada has chosen to focus on food security. We will continue to respond as the world's third largest single country donor to the World Food Programme.

I am pleased to announce an additional $30 million to the World Food Programme to meet this challenge.

[International Aid, November 4th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, in fact we agree with the recommendations and the observations of the Auditor General. In fact it was in 2002 that the previous government tried to increase the effectiveness of its aid.

In the short time we have been in office, we have focused geographically and thematically. We have untied our aid. We are ensuring that our projects are going to see real results in countries for those who are living in poverty.

[Questions on the Order Paper, October 22nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), the government met its G8 commitment to double Canada’s aid to Africa, with a total disbursement of $2.1 billion in 2008-09. African country members of La Francophonie that benefit from CIDA’s funding for geographic programs include those that are CIDA’s countries of focus: Ghana, which is an associate member of La Francophonie, Mali, Mozambique, which is an observer, and Senegal; as well as those in which CIDA maintains a modest level of programming: Benin, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco, Niger and Rwanda. African country members of La Francophonie also benefit from CIDA’s funding for multilateral and global programs, and Canadian Partnership programs.

In response to (b), CIDA’s 2009-10 aid budget is still being finalized, and therefore dollar amounts are not available at this time.

In response to (c), CIDA disbursed $5.8 million to the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in 2007-08, and $8.1 million in 2008-09.

In response to (d), CIDA’s 2009-10 aid budget is still being finalized, and therefore the dollar amounts to be disbursed to the OIF in 2009-10 are not available at this time.

In response to (e), CIDA’s 2009-10 aid budget is still being finalized, and therefore the dollar amounts to be disbursed to the other international institutions of La Francophonie in 2009-10 are not available at this time.

[Questions on the Order Paper, October 19th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, at the 2005 Gleneagles G8 summit, G8 leaders pledged to double their aid to Africa by 2010. Canada reached its commitment to double assistance to $2.1 billion, compared to $1.05 billion in 2003-04, one year ahead of G8 commitment.

African country members of La Francophonie that will continue to benefit from these funds include those that are CIDA's countries of focus: Ghana, which is an associate member of La Francophonie; Mali; Mozambique, which is an observer; Senegal; as well as those in which CIDA will maintain a modest level of programming: Benin, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco, Niger and Rwanda.

The 2009-10 aid budgets, including bilateral and multilateral projects and programs, are still being finalized and therefore dollar amounts are not available at this time.

[Committees of the House, October 9th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 109 I am pleased to table, in both official languages, the response of the Government of Canada to the second report of the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan entitled “Report on Canada’s Priority Number One in Afghanistan: Helping to Enhance the Afghan National Security Forces”.

[International Aid, October 8th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we were very pleased to table the report as required under the new Federal Accountability Act, and in fact we do meet all the requirements.

I would point out to the House that not only do we comply but we actually report on real results that CIDA is having in the international world.

We have doubled our aid to Africa. We have untied our food aid. These actions are going to make a real difference in effectiveness and in getting real results.

[International Aid, October 6th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the government wishes to extend its sympathies to those affected by the typhoons, earthquake and tsunami that have hit the South Pacific region recently.

In response to preliminary appeals today, I am announcing support for the victims of the recent earthquake, with $300,000 for those in Samoa and $500,000 for those in Indonesia. These funds will help organizations such as the Red Cross, the World Food Programme and UNICEF provide the needed humanitarian services and goods.

This $800,000 announcement is in addition to the $5 million announced last week to help those affected by typhoons.

[International Cooperation, October 1st, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian government is responding to all of those in need. In fact, we have made contributions through the World Food Programme, particularly directed to the francophone countries that are being affected by the disasters.

We have addressed many of the urgent needs. We are aware and we continue to monitor the situation.