SIPP Public Policy Papers 41

Abstract

In 2002, Canada gave about $3.3 billion in foreign aid, which amounts to a 29% increase over the aid given in 2001. A similar trend in aid giving is observed in other donor countries. To help poorer countries meet the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations Millennium Project calls for a further increase in foreign aid given by the donor countries: that at least 0.7 percent of the donor countries' gross national product (GNP) be given as official development assistance (ODA) to developing countries. The United Nations' plea that donor countries contribute 0.7 percent of their GNP as ODA revives an old target that was originally recommended by the Pearson Commission in 1969.