July 27, 2010
The Honourable Minister Beverley J. Oda
Minister of International Cooperation
22 promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Québec
K1A 0G4
Dear Minister Oda:
The Public Service Alliance of Canada is extremely disturbed by your decision to cut off funding to the most important non-governmental international development institution in the country, the Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC).
For the last 42 years, civil society in Canada, including educational institutions, labour unions, faith-based groups, development agencies and humanitarian relief organizations have invested in and relied on the leadership and integrity of CICC for analysis on public policy, ethical guidelines and governance issues related to international development assistance, humanitarian aid and human security. Representing over 100 development and relief agencies across Canada, CCIC is recognized domestically and around the world as an important interlocutor between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Global South and in Canada. It has also served as the inter-face between Canadian policy makers and government representatives with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on questions of aid effectiveness and transparency, the need for an equitable aid architecture, support for democratic governance and the building of an effective multilateral system.
As a member of CCIC, the PSAC has been fortunate to participate in many workshops and conferences bringing together CSOs and government officials to discuss matters of vital importance in the international arena. The PSAC participated in a roundtable discussion convened by CCIC, in order to bring together NGOs as well as DFAIT and CIDA officials to discuss Canadian relief and reconstruction aid to Haiti. We have always appreciated the interest on the part of the Canadian government to engage with civil society and share our different perspectives. However, the attack against CICC - and we can think of no other way to describe your decision to cut funding - seems to be an attempt to destroy the very channels of dialogue that have been built between civil society and government over many years.
CCIC has made an extraordinary contribution to the development of an active and committed citizenry which is central to a successful international development program. CIDA knows this only too well.
CCIC and its members will continue to develop a “visionary agenda for development” that can respond to the difficulties and overcome the obstacles that have prevented countries from meeting the Millennium Development Goals. This is a key year to take stock of commitments to the MDGs, and to engage civil society around the world. We strongly believe that the decision made to withdraw funding from CCIC is a critical error that will weaken dialogue between civil society and government, and will severally curtail public involvement in policy directions. Consequently, your decision will erode public confidence in the government's willingness to implement transparency and effectiveness in aid delivery
On July 22, 2010, you announced that the next step in Canada's aid effectiveness would be to implement “a new approach to engage Canadians and organizations involved in International development”. Why then would you cut CCIC's funding at such a critical time? This appears to be an ill-fated attempt to silence Civil Society and the NGO community. We urge you to reconsider your decision and to re-establish funding to CCIC.
Sincerely,
John Gordon
National President
c.c.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Gerry Barr, CEO Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC)
Date Modified : 2010/08/05
