What is Canada Doing to Help?

Canadians and the Government of Canada do a lot of work in international development. In 1968, the Government of Canada created an agency dedicated to international development. This is the Canadian International Development Agency or CIDA. It is led by a Minister.

CIDA works with Canadian organizations and businesses, as well as with other governments and non-government organizations around the world, to provide money and advice for projects that will improve the lives of poor people living in developing countries.

What does CIDA do?

• helps people have safe and nutritious food
• helps children, especially girls, go to school and get an education and
• trains people in the skills they need to find jobs so they can provide for their families

How does CIDA help after a natural disaster?

When a natural disaster, like a flood, earthquake or hurricane happens in a poor country, Canada, through CIDA, is usually one of the first to help. Right away, CIDA provides the basic necessities of life: food and safe water to drink, and shelter for people who have lost their homes. This is called humanitarian assistance and is part of international development. Sometimes, CIDA helps people affected by a conflict in their country.

After a natural disaster, CIDA also provides funding for volunteers and professional aid workers to travel to affected areas and provide immediate help. After the emergency is over, CIDA works with local governments to rebuild communities and help them be prepared for future disasters, making them safer and stronger in the future.

Read the special edition of Kayak: Canada's history magazine for kids to find out more about what Canadians—including kids your age—are doing to make a better world!