Shafqat Ali, Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre, hosted a roundtable discussion featuring the Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, members of the Muslim community, and local stakeholders. The meeting focused on the mechanisms through which Canadian and international organizations can secure funding from the Government of Canada to support international development initiatives.
During the roundtable, Minister Hussen highlighted recent government efforts to enhance global development through strategic funding. Key topics included funding opportunities aimed at justice reform, climate change mitigation, and economic inclusion. Examples of these initiatives include the $26.4 million investment announced for various projects such as the Judicial Strengthening Program in the Eastern Caribbean and the Opportunities for Circular and Inclusive Diversification in Agriculture (OCIDA) in Honduras. These programs underscore Canada’s commitment to promoting human rights, economic growth, and sustainable development globally.
MP Ali emphasized the importance of these discussions in bridging local community efforts with national and international development goals. “It’s essential for our communities to understand how they can contribute to and benefit from Canada’s international development efforts. Today’s meeting with Minister Hussen provided valuable insights into the available resources and how to access them,” Ali stated.
The event was part of an ongoing effort to engage local communities in meaningful conversations about Canada’s role in international development and how residents can participate in these initiatives. Participants were encouraged to apply for funding through the various programs discussed and to collaborate with the government in addressing global challenges.