Stephen Salewicz

International development; climate finance and agricultural sustainability; and public engagement and domestic support. Discussions on the clarification of the new trade and development policy. Global Affairs Canada (GAC)'s focus remains on poverty reduction and discussions on tied aid are not a priority. Climate finance should contribute to sustainable agricultural outcomes. There was also a discussion on moving from isolated development interventions toward more integrated systems approaches - silos to systems. With regards to public engagement and support for international development, there was a discussion on potential government support for sector-wide initiatives. Additionally, there was discussion on the possibility of GAC conducting research to understand how civil society organizations (CSOs) engage Canadians on international development issues. International development. Discussion about the strategic importance of international development aid to Canada's economy, national security and values. Additionally, we sought to understand the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC)'s position on aid and asked that resilient food systems be prioritized in the party's international development platform. International development. Make resilient food systems an aid priority and ensure the development-trade approach focuses on poverty reduction. localization and sustainability. Official development assistance should continue to focus on gender and localization. in this regard, at least $5.5 billion of ODA per annum should go towards poverty reduction in developing countries. Climate finance should prioritize vulnerable groups, support biodiversity and minimize debt. Canada should triple climate finance to $15.9 billion for 2026-2031. The 5-year pledge announced in spring 2026 was much lower. We “welcomed” it and will continue to work on quality issues. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Group (HPAG) and position HPAG as a thought-partner and ally for Canada's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, gaining the ear of the Ambassador and his team for future influencing; highlight the prominence of Canadian international non governmental organizations (INGOs) within the humanitarian sector globally, highlighting the proportion and significance of Canadian aid; and to understand the Ambassador’s priorities and key next steps as he embarks on a new mandate. International Development. Discussion showcasing the results from our Nature Positive project which is part of the Partnering for Climate (P4C) program. The project responds to poverty and hunger, addressing climate change and building long-term economic resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. We asked for support in ensuring Canada’s next climate finance commitment prioritizes smallholder farmers and their communities in the Global South in adapting to climate change. International development. Discussion on Canada's official development assistance (ODA) and the need for it to prioritize food security. As a global leader in agriculture and food, Canada should help communities around the world dealing with rising food prices, climate change and conflict by prioritizing support for agriculture and food systems in its ODA. International development and international relations. Discussion on the importance of focusing on food security in humanitarian efforts, in light of the expected cuts to development funding. Additionally, discussion on the importance of official development assistance (ODA), alongside trade and economic stability to Canada, highlighting that ODA facilitates other aspects of international relationships. Discussion about Canada's official development assistance, its value to Canadian foreign policy and an appeal for Canada not to reduce aid but to show global leadership following the USAID cuts and decreases in aid budgets by some donor countries. Discussion about Canada's official development aid (ODA) and its valu

- Official Development Assistance, with respect to funding increases that reflect international commitments, support Canadian NGOs, and enable localization.

Increase support and funding on issues related to global migration and forced displacement, including on operational responses to new arrivals in Canada. Engage in governmental dialogue on issues related to international humanitarian law (IHL), with specific reference to ensuring the protection of populations experiencing increased vulnerabilities and the delivery of humanitarian assistance during times of armed conflict. Build support and obtain grant funding for community service organizations in Canada. Build support for health and public initiatives, including but not limited to supports targeted to mental health and seniors. Increase support and investment in diverse programming for indigenous communities, including preparedness, risk reduction, emergency response and recovery. Secure investments in readiness for all-hazard response, including health emergencies and public health crises in Canada and around the world.

Innovative funding mechanisms for humanitarian response by Canadian international non-governmental organizations (INGOs): In parallel with Global Affairs Canada's (GAC) annual Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP), and complementary to GAC's existing humanitarian tools, new options are needed for leveraging the speed and reach of Canadian INGOs to respond swiftly, at scale, and holistically to major and emerging humanitarian crises. Humanitarian Coalition Dedicated Matching Fund (MF) Program: i) The MF is a joint tool of the Humanitarian Coalition (HC) and its member agencies in partnership with the International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA) directorate of Global Affairs Canada (GAC); ii) The MF provides periodic funding in support of the international humanitarian response activities of the member agencies of the HC; iii) The MF is activated only occasionally, in order to address unmet needs arising from major humanitarian crises abroad, often triggered by significant natural or man-made disasters; iv) The MF assists in mobilizing the Canadian public to strengthen Canada's response to major crises. By matching eligible contributions, the MF encourages Canadians to donate to the HC or one its member or affiliate agencies responding to a particular crisis; v) The HC engages with the Minister, representatives of GAC and IHA to ensure the ongoing renewal, improvement and strengthening of the MF program. Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF): i) The CHAF is a joint tool of the Humanitarian Coalition (HC) and its member agencies in partnership with the International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA) directorate of Global Affairs Canada (GAC); ii) The CHAF provides funding in support of the international humanitarian response activities of the member agencies of the HC; iii) The CHAF is activated multiple times per year to address unmet needs in humanitarian crises abroad, typically triggered by smaller-scale natural disasters; iv) The HC engages with the Minister, representatives of GAC and IHA to ensure the ongoing renewal, improvement and strengthening of the CHAF program.

Focus on girls' rights and youth leadership in Canada focused on addressing systemic barriers to gender equality in leadership in Canada and globally. Plan International Canada advocates for gender equality and children's rights. Our policy and advocacy spans a number of sectors, including, health, education, child protection, climate change, economic security, water and sanitation, emergencies and child participation.