Foreign Affairs committee  We have to be careful when talking about “flying the flag.” I believe that Canada must first recognize what contribution it's going to make. We also have to be careful about where we fly the flag and how we use it. Aid is not necessarily a marketing tool. In the past, most of Canada's humanitarian and development assistance was provided through the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.

Foreign Affairs committee  Thank you. This is a fundamentally difficult question. The ODA Accountability Act tells us what we know, which is that aid should go to those who need it the most, period. However, it's never that simple because it's hard to get to some of the hardest places. I think that's why our humanitarian assistance is there.

Foreign Affairs committee  This changes the dynamic of a relationship. You can really talk partnership in that case.

Foreign Affairs committee  Yes, it is.

Foreign Affairs committee  Thank you for those references. I would say that it's not up to me to decide on Canada's approach in Africa. However, I do think it's very important for Canada to clarify its intentions, as was said earlier, and to maintain those intentions over time and over the long term. That's really the difficulty we're seeing today.

Foreign Affairs committee  In fairness, I don't think I used the word “trust”. I think Canada remains trusted. I think we're less visible than we were, and I think we have changed our priorities so much over the years that we've lost a lot of the capital that was built in years prior. There's a lot that should be considered about how we can show up in ways that are lasting and how we can leave an impact on those with whom we engage.

Foreign Affairs committee  Thank you very much for the question. There is so much to say with respect to that. I think making choices is difficult. Thank you for pointing out a theme that I think is very important, the one of partnership. Partnership is a deceptively simple concept, especially when between organizations people change.

Foreign Affairs committee  Good afternoon. First, I want to thank the committee for inviting me to appear today. Cuso International was founded 63 years ago by Canadians who felt that their country could make a significant contribution to world progress. Our model is based on collaboration, and we work closely with local private and public sector partners and with non-profit organizations around the world.