Canada’s deepening ties with Europe could help fill massive gaps left behind as U.S. pulls back from foreign aid

Sarai told The Canadian Press that "when we put all our heads together, I think the opportunities are endless."[2] According to the agency, this effort includes recent talks with the European Union on leveraging private dollars and philanthropy for aid[2].The Canadian Press reports that Sarai is overseeing a shift in foreign aid as the government of Prime Minister Mark Carney cuts back on global health spending and encourages more private funding[2]. The agency also reports that Ottawa spends about 1.6 per cent of its budget on foreign aid.[2]According to BNN Bloomberg, Ireland hosted a meeting of EU development ministers earlier this month and invited Canada to attend.[1] Sarai also said that Europe has looked to Carney for guidance on so-called blended finance because of his experience as a United Nations official.[1]Sarai told the agency that for Washington, "their aid has to benefit the American economy and American people."[1] officials have "come back, to some degree" on aid spending by funding vaccines for children in poor countries.[1]The Canadian Press reports that Co-operation Canada, a coalition of aid groups, said the sector supports innovative funding, with some caveats.[1] The report quotes Farran as saying that Canada's "international assistance should first and foremost be used to alleviate poverty and inequalities."[1]According to the agency, Sarai said Canada is not going to surrender its support for the world's poorest to market forces.[1]