June 26, 2025
RED FM News Desk
OTTAWA, ON – Canada’s new foreign aid chief, Randeep Sarai, says he’s committed to ensuring Canadian aid dollars are spent efficiently and that Canadians have a clearer understanding of where their money goes. In his first major interview since becoming Secretary of State for International Development, Sarai emphasized the need for Canada to adopt a more visible approach to development and humanitarian assistance, especially as the U.S. scales back its own contributions.
Global Affairs Canada reports that Ottawa spent $12 billion on foreign aid in the fiscal year ending in spring 2024. Half of this amount constituted core foreign aid spending, with another $2.6 billion allocated for loans and development financing, primarily directed towards Ukraine. Additionally, $2.6 billion went towards services for refugees arriving in Canada, while the remainder supported global initiatives such as United Nations humanitarian appeals and preventive health projects.
Sarai revealed that his experience knocking on doors during the recent spring election campaign solidified his belief that few Canadians are aware of how their aid contributions are utilized.
“That’s what my priority is — how can I communicate and share that. And how can I get the best bang for your buck, the most efficient way to get our aid to those that are most in need,” Sarai stated. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Mark Carney has instructed him “to cut some red tape” and advance Global Affairs Canada’s ongoing reforms of its bureaucratic processes for funding development and humanitarian projects.
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