World Vision's response to flat ODA levels in Federal Budget

TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2014 /CNW/ -

World Vision's President and CEO, Dave Toycen, said:

"With more than 600,000 supporters, we know Canadians care about fighting poverty overseas. We're glad to see that there aren't any cuts to Canada's aid spending in this year's federal budget and encourage the government to consider increases in the future so Canada can reach the most vulnerable children and families, many of whom still live in unimaginable poverty.

Looking forward, it's critical that Canada continues to show global leadership on child and maternal health and food security. Ensuring that children and mothers get the basic health supports they need to survive and thrive has become a mainstay of Canada's development work since the Muskoka Initiative was announced at the 2010 G8 Summit. The global momentum created in Canada in 2010 has contributed to countless lives saved. This work must continue beyond 2015 and no country is better positioned to do this than Canada. We know that access to enough nutritious food is inextricably linked to success with child and maternal health programs. Canada has maintained strong funding levels for global food security—this too must continue beyond 2015.

With humanitarian crises raging in Syria and South Sudan, we also encourage Canada to be a voice for children and families.  Canada can lead by ensuring that the most vulnerable are prioritized, calling for peaceful solutions to conflict and pushing for humanitarian access so aid agencies can provide life-saving support to children and families caught in the fighting."

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE: World Vision Canada