The Canadian government has announced funding for women’s rights abroad to show its stance on reproductive rights, contrasting it with that of the conservatives in Canada and the United States. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will reiterate Canada’s commitment to supporting reproductive freedom at a summit in New York City. The International Development Minister, Harjit Sajjan, stated that the government will allocate $195 million over five years and $43 million each year after that to assist women’s rights organizations that are dedicated to gender equality. The funding aims to help women in countries where abortion access is limited or swiftly restricted.
The government’s Women’s Voice and Leadership Program, launched in 2017, will facilitate the allocation of the funds, which will be disbursed to about 1,500 organizations. The government’s announcement of the funding comes when the Liberals are reducing their overall development spending, which was increased to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This year’s federal budget shows that spending will decrease by about 15% in the next fiscal year.
International Development Minister Sajjan compared the Liberals’ and Conservatives’ positions on women’s rights and abortion. Sajjan asserted that “when it comes to women’s rights, our government is unapologetically pro-choice.” He added that the Conservatives, on the other hand, continue to seek ways to reopen the abortion access debate. The Conservatives’ stance on abortion in Canada has never been in line with that of their Republican counterparts in the US. Nonetheless, anti-abortion advocates are a vocal group within the party’s base, while party leader Pierre Poilievre has described himself as pro-choice.
Trudeau’s visit to New York will include a focus on trade in critical minerals. He will also meet with a UN task force on sustainable development and speak to the Council on Foreign Relations think tank. Trudeau hopes to build on the success of President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Canada, which was deemed productive. Trudeau will also participate in Global Citizen NOW, an annual summit meeting of change-minded celebrities, activists, and lawmakers.