Policy Statement : All foreign aid allocations must be subject to a mandatory parliamentary vote, requiring the approval of at least 60% of MPs before funds are distributed.
This policy ensures that Canadian taxpayers’ money is spent with broad legislative consensus, aligning foreign aid programs with national interests and priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Purpose To enhance transparency, accountability, and democratic decision-making in the allocation of foreign aid funds by ensuring that financial assistance to other nations is approved by the elected representatives of Canada.
- ScopeThis policy applies to all foreign aid programs, development assistance, humanitarian relief, and financial aid allocations provided by the Canadian government to foreign governments, international organizations, and non-governmental entities.
- Definitions
- Foreign Aid: Any financial, technical, or material assistance provided by the Canadian government to other countries or international organizations.
- Parliamentary Approval: A requirement that at least 60% of Members of Parliament (MPs) must vote in favour of a proposed foreign aid package before it is approved and implemented.