International Development Roundtable

Hosted by Glen Pearson

Objectives of the Roundtable

The objectives of the roundtable were to identify ways in which Canada can take a lead in international development in the world, and what methods can be used to ensure better aid effectiveness.

Session #1 – Canada’s Development Assistance: Finding Our Place in the World
Ian Smillie, Chairman, Diamond Development Initiative
Nic Moyer, Coordinator, The Humanitarian Coalition
Bernard Wood, Bernard Wood & Associates
Desiree McGraw, Executive Director, Jeanne Sauve Foundation

Session #2 – Strengthening Canada’s Aid Effectiveness

Gerry Barr, President, Canadian Council for international Cooperation
Stephen Brown, Professor, University of Ottawa
Dr. Adam Chapnick, Department of Defense Studies, Canadian Forces College (CFC)
Hon. Warren Allmand, P.C., O.C., Q.C.

Summary of the Discussion

Session #1 – Canada’s Development Assistance: Finding Our Place in the World
Identifying Canada's role and responsibility in International Development.

Observation from Panelists:

• Canada needs to implement an integrated approach to foreign policy that addresses diplomacy, defence, democracy and development.
• In our current and future inter-connected world, foreign aid priorities are in fact major foreign policy interests.
• Canada is no longer seen as a leader in the delivery of international development assistance
• The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) lacks long-term, strategic policy going forward
• CIDA fails to advance our national values and interests in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
  • Development cooperation is spread to thinly and poorly.
• CIDA suffers from a political “flavor-of-the-day” mentality, due to:
  • High turnover in the CIDA Ministers Office
  • Succession of minority governments
  • Tendency to appoint Ministers of International Cooperation who lack experience in the field

Session #2 – Strengthening Canada’s Aid Effectiveness

Partnership between the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

There is a lack of accountability and transparency regarding the partnership between CIDA and NGOs.

Observation from panelists:

• There is a lack of accountability and transparency regarding the partnership between CIDA and NGOs.
• CIDA has been criticized for its complex and lengthy processes to obtain corporate approval for project funding.
  • Lack of corporate management processes that monitor aid effectiveness commitments.
• CIDAs partnership with NGOs has weakened due to high transaction costs and unpredictable funding.
  • Many NGOs are foregoing funding due to its unreliable, highly-politicized application and reporting processes.
• CIDA partnerships with NGOs and multilateral organizations should not be based on narrow interests but rather on development impact and alignment with broad Canadian values and interests.
  • KAIROS should not have had their funding cut due to ideological issues, as their programs deliver positive results.

Going Forward

Recommendations from participants towards Canada’s Development Assistance:

• The Federal Government needs to re-establish CIDA as a leader in international development that is recognized globally and in Canada for world-class personnel, innovative programming and path-breaking effectiveness in the pursuit of global poverty alleviation.
• The Federal Government should make the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Canada’s central international development targets.
• Pass a clear legislative mandate for CIDA that focuses its activities towards a set of roles and responsibilities concerning poverty alleviation.
• Create a Department of International Cooperation and a permanent cabinet seat
  • Appoint the right person as the Minister of International Cooperation who can build support among cabinet, caucus and across benches.
• Streamline the process between CIDA and NGOs to ensure that the application process and overall partnership is based on real development impacts – not narrow political interests
• Create a more active engagement between CIDA and Canadians that will ensure a real national effort towards international development assistance