Canada has announced new funding of $272.1 million for foreign aid projects in Bangladesh and the broader Indo-Pacific region, Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen stated on Sunday (9 March).
“Canada remains committed to strengthening our enduring friendship with Bangladesh and the wider Indo-Pacific, rooted in deep people-to-people connections,” Hussen said in a statement. “By supporting healthcare services for vulnerable communities, empowering women, and tackling climate change, we are working towards a brighter future for the global community.”
The funding was officially revealed by Hussen and British Columbia Liberal Member of Parliament Parm Bains at an event in Vancouver attended by leaders from the Bangladeshi community. The announcement comes just weeks before the Liberal government may call a spring election with a new party leader.
According to Global News, this funding, along with contributions from other international partners and donors, will support 14 different projects across Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific.
The decision by the federal Liberal government marks a significant contrast in approach to foreign development assistance compared to the administration of former US President Donald Trump, which halted funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Following his inauguration, Trump, alongside his newly appointed government efficiency adviser, businessman Elon Musk, imposed a 90-day freeze on US foreign aid. This suspension led to the closure of aid programmes worldwide and the furloughing of thousands of government employees and contractors.
Trump and his Republican appointees have been critical of foreign aid, viewing it as an unnecessary burden on taxpayers and arguing that it serves liberal political interests. Opponents, however, contend that such expenditure enhances America’s global standing and counteracts foreign influence.
American foreign aid advocates have legally challenged Trump’s decision, arguing that he exceeded his constitutional authority by effectively dismantling a federal agency whose spending had been authorised by Congress.
Details of the various multi-year projects funded by Canada can be found in a backgrounder released by Global Affairs Canada.
Canada’s aid initiatives will focus on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls, as well as expanding access to inclusive education and skills training, according to Global News.
Additional projects aim to help communities build resilience against climate change, encourage civic engagement, and alleviate poverty.
One initiative, titled “Empowering Women in the Nursing Sector,” involves a $6.3 million funding commitment over three years to the Canadian company Cowater International, the government announced.
According to federal government estimates, the Bangladeshi-Canadian community now numbers over 100,000 people.
