Federal Budget 2018 doubles Canada’s international assistance provided through innovative tools over the next five years
Ottawa, Canada – Grand Challenges Canada today welcomed the Government of Canada’s strong new commitment to support development innovation through the creation of the International Assistance Innovation Program and Sovereign Loans Program, announced in Budget 2018.
Dr. Peter A. Singer, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Challenges Canada said: “Today the government is walking the walk when it comes to both international assistance and development innovation. In this budget, the government has delivered. We are grateful to the Government of Canada and Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau for their leadership in undertaking this strong new commitment. It will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most, in particular, women and girls.”
Grand Challenges Canada applauded commitments to strengthen support for the Feminist International Assistance Policy in the budget, with a specific focus on exploring new and innovative ways to engage internationally. This announcement builds on Canada’s existing global leadership in development innovation through Global Affairs Canada and its innovation partners and platforms including Grand Challenges Canada.
“When it comes to the delivery of international assistance, investments in innovation translate directly into practical benefits that can save and improve lives, and unlock lasting opportunity.” continued Singer.
Since its launch in 2010, Grand Challenges Canada has funded 1,000 innovations championed by innovators in more than 90 countries. These innovations are expected to save more than one million lives and improve more than 25 million lives by 2030.
For more information, visit www.grandchallenges.ca and look for us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
For Media Enquiries
DAVID BROOK
Chief Strategy Officer
Grand Challenges Canada
T. +1.613.567.0399
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