Make Poverty History - News Release

Make Poverty History is calling on Prime Minister Paul Martin, at the United Nations next week, to announce that Canada will contribute more and better aid to help end global poverty.

The United Nations Special Summit is a key opportunity for the Prime Minister to reassert Canadian leadership on the international stage by establishing a timetable for Canada to reach 0.7% of Gross National Income by 2015.

“What better place can there be than the UN for our Prime Minter to announce Canada's commitment to reaching the United Nations target for aid spending,” says Gerry Barr co-chair of the Make Poverty History campaign. “With the 2006 Budget decision time for setting an affordable timetable to reach 0.7%, we need a signal now that we're working towards that target.”

Currently, the government is committed to 8% increases up to 2010 with no commitment to increased funding after that date. This will not get Canada to 0.7% by 2015. What is needed is a 15% increase in aid spending every year starting with the 2006 budget through to 2015. Failure to act in this budget, means major investments would be needed by future governments in order to reach the target.

In addition to increased funding, the Prime Minister should announce legislation to establish poverty reduction as the exclusive focus for Canadian aid.

Almost 25% of Canadian aid increases between 2001 and 2003 were allocated to Afghanistan and Iraq. While legitimate global security concerns must be addressed, Canadian aid should be focused on ending poverty.

“Legislation will ensure that increased aid resources will be directed to the needs of people living in poverty,” said Barr.

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For more information click here for the Briefing Paper: “Decision Time” prepared by the Canadian Council for International Co-operation. (pdf file)

Contact:

Katia Gianneschi
Make Poverty History
(613) 241-7007 ext. 311
media@makepovertyhistory.ca

MAKE POVERTY HISTORY - 2005

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