Conservatives merger federal departments

The conservative government has decided to combine the Canadian International Development Agency with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, allowing the Harper government to have more power when it comes to development work being done in poverty-stricken countries.

According to the Globe and Mail, CIDA which has been around for 45 years, enjoyed virtual independence from the Prime Minister’s Office and was free to choose for itself where aid would be given to countries hit by disaster and poverty. 

However, this merger now means that the government will have a say in where that aid goes. Many development professionals fear that this new power will mean that aid will be prioritized to countries that are of interest to Canada, such as those that participate in foreign trade. 

The government’s 2013 budget, in which the merger was announced, states that it will continue to put a value on aid promising that development assistance will remain intact and emphasized that humanitarian assistance in times of crisis is an important Canadian value.

Flickr Photo by: Utensrickdept

STORY WRITTEN BY: NIKITA SMITH