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Meeting our Global ResponsibilitiesAn Active Role in Global AffairsAs a nation of people from every part of the globe, Canadians have a keen sense of the world beyond their borders. They want their country to play an active and influential role in global affairs. That is why the Government made a commitment to strengthen Canada’s contribution to peace, prosperity and security in the world. Budget 2005—Delivering on CommitmentsBudget 2005 delivers on this commitment by providing the resources needed to meet our global responsibilities and to seize our global opportunities. Specifically, this budget: 1 Increases international assistance by $3.4 billion over the next five years, moving towards a doubling of its 2001–02 level by 2010–11. 2 Provides $342 million to address the serious health issues afflicting Africa and over $200 million in new debt relief for the world’s poorest nations. 3 Introduces a new approach to managing international assistance so that money will go where it will do the most good. 4 Provides the largest increase in defence spending in 20 years—more than $12.8 billion over the next five years. 5 Supports key national security initiatives through $1 billion in additional funding. 1 Doubling International AssistanceCanada supports the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, an ambitious agenda to cut global poverty in half by 2015. In 2002–03, the Government began working toward its commitment to double international assistance by 2010–11. Budget 2005 takes a significant step forward, providing an extra $3.4 billion in international assistance over the next five years. 2 Increasing Support for AfricaCanada will strengthen its long-established support for Africa in its struggle to overcome the challenges of poverty and disease. By 2008–09, aid to Africa will double from its 2003–04 level. Budget 2005 also announces a number of initiatives designed to help Africa achieve greater health and prosperity. Increased Debt ReliefTo continue Canada’s long-standing support of international debt relief for the world’s poorest nations, Budget 2005 allocates $172 million from the International Assistance Envelope over the next five years to cover Canada’s share of debt-service costs to the International Development Association of the World Bank and the African Development Fund. Budget 2005 also provides an additional $34 million in support of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, an international debt relief program that has provided significant benefits to poor, mostly African, nations. Global Health FundingBudget 2005 strengthens Canada’s leadership in responding to global health challenges by announcing $342 million in additional funding to address the world’s most serious communicable diseases—diseases that affect children most of all. This comprises:
3 Better Management of Canada’s International AssistanceIn addition to increases in international assistance and investments in global health, Budget 2005 introduces a new approach to better administer Canada’s international assistance by allocating it into five distinct pools:
This new system of international assistance will be more transparent, will provide for greater budget predictability, and will provide greater flexibility to respond to unforeseen events. 4 Strengthening National DefenceBudget 2005 introduces the largest increase in defence spending in 20 years, worth more than $12.8 billion in cash terms over five years. This substantial increase in funding, which goes far beyond commitments made last year, will allow National Defence to better meet increasingly complex international challenges. Examples of recent challenges for the military in Canada and abroad include:
These recent missions and other contributions to international security have placed considerable demands on Canadian Forces personnel and resources. As the world changes, the role of the military must continue to change with it. Over a five-year period, funding provided in Budget 2005 includes:
5 Reinforcing Canadian SecurityBudget 2005 builds on the efforts of the past three budgets to address terrorist threats and improve the security of Canadians while ensuring the safe movement of people and goods across borders. This budget provides an additional $1 billion towards the implementation of the National Security Policy announced in April 2004. This funding will support investments in security at diplomatic missions abroad, emergency planning and response, transportation and border security, and Canada’s efforts to combat organized crime. Air Travellers Security ChargeTo fund the enhanced air travel security system, the Government established the Air Travellers Security Charge and pledged to review the charge to ensure revenue remains in line with costs over a five-year period. Budget 2005 announces the third consecutive reduction to the charge since it was introduced. The following reductions are proposed for tickets purchased on or after March 1, 2005:
Marine SecurityBuilding on past investments and the National Security Policy, Budget 2005 provides an additional $222 million over five years to further enhance the security of the country’s marine transportation system. Funding initiatives include new mid-shore patrol vessels for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, additional regulatory inspections, the creation of Emergency Response Teams for the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, and an increased police presence in ports. Border SecurityCanada will take further steps to secure the Canada–U.S. border without impeding the legitimate flow of goods and people. Budget 2005 provides $433 million over five years to further strengthen the capacity of the Government to deliver secure and efficient border services.
How Can I Get More Information on Budget 2005?Information is available on the Internet at www.fin.gc.ca or by phoning: 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) You can also obtain copies of this brochure and other budget documents from the: Distribution Centre Phone: (613) 995-2855 |
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