LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Protect foreign aid

For many decades now, both the U.S. and Canada have partnered with non-governmental organizations, including religious ones to bring fast, efficient and effective foreign aid to the most devastated regions of the world. Many philanthropically minded people around the world are watching in dismay as Marco Rubio is basically dismantling the USAID program that will result in much suffering and death among the poorest people in the world. At one time it was thought to be good foreign policy to work with dedicated NGOs to heal wounds around the world; not only did it stave off the worst hunger crises and infectious disease outbreaks, it created a lot of good will toward NGOs and countries involved. Rubio’s vision is for government to disengage entirely from humanitarian efforts around the world.

It is true that many NGOs have better skills and experience working with the world’s disadvantaged than does the government, and so it makes sense for governments to channel their foreign aid through them. Governments can bring matching funds to these NGOs to increase their reach and effectiveness. Last week 35 NGO leaders met with Rubio to hear the news that the U.S. government wants to get out of foreign aid. It is interesting to note that while the rest listened in shock and dismay, only The Samaratan’s Purse spoke positively of this move. Why?

In Canada, many Christian and humanitarian organizations have come to depend on the Canadian government for matching funds for their programs around the world. The ones that are closest to my heart and many of my Christian friends include Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Mennonite Economic Development Agency (MEDA), Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB), World Vision (WV), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), among many others. I am pleased to support such agencies prayerfully and financially, knowing that my gifts will be leveraged to bring in government funds to enhance the great charitable work they do.

I am concerned when I hear Pierre Poliviere proudly proclaim that should he become prime minister he would drastically cut foreign aid; Canada first, you know! This kind of rhetoric is borrowed from south of the border where it already has morphed into action, creating massive suffering and devastation around the world. I am afraid a new conservative government under Pierre Poliviere would copycat Rubio’s action. All of us should be concerned, let our voices be heard and make sure this does not happen.