Policy Updates

On June 17, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a CAD2 billion (US$1.4 billion) assistance package to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction during the closing of the 2025 G7 Summit in Quebec.

The funding was positioned as a signal of Canada’s continued leadership and commitment to Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression. While broader G7 unity appeared strained—with key figures like US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaving early—Canada used the platform to reinforce its role as a reliable ally.

From June 9-13, 2025, the 3^rd UN Ocean Conference was hosted in Nice, France, ending with over 170 countries adopting a joint declaration committing to urgent measures for ocean conservation and sustainable use.

The event featured 55 heads of state and government as well as upwards of 15,000 participants from civil society, business, and science. The Nice Ocean Action Plan, combining this declaration with voluntary pledges, was said to mark renewed global political will for marine protection.

Key commitments included:

• A European Commission pledge of EUR1 billion (US$1.1 billion) for ocean conservation;
• A pledge by French Polynesia to create the world’s largest marine protected area;
• A pledge by New Zealand of US$52 million for Pacific Ocean governance;
• A pledge by Italy of EUR6.5 million (US$7 million) to strengthen Coast Guard surveillance in marine protected areas and on oil platforms;
• A pledge by Spain to establish five new marine protected areas, aiming to safeguard 25% of its marine territory;
• A pledge by Germany of EUR100 million (US$115 million) for Baltic and North Sea munitions clearance;
• The launch of a Coral Bond for reef conservation by Indonesia, WB, and partners.

37 countries, led by Panama and Canada, launched the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean, while Canada pledged US$9 million to the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance. UN agencies and global partners also launched a co-design process for One Ocean Finance to unlock billions in new financing from ocean-dependent industries and blue economy sectors.

Nineteen more states ratified the Marine Biodiversity Treaty, bringing total signatures to 136 and ratifications to 50 states, plus the EU. Ten more ratifications are needed for the Agreement to enter into force. The 4^th UN Ocean Conference, in 2028, will be co-hosted by Chile and the Republic of Korea.

On June 4, 2025, new findings from the Global Climate and Health Alliance showed that only 21 of 195 countries party to the UNFCCC Paris Agreement have submitted updated NDCs for 2035, nearly four months past deadline with most NDCs mentioning health benefits, such as reduced air pollution, but few including systems to track health outcomes.

The GCHA reviewed 11 countries’ NDCs and found that while many reference health benefits, only the UK’s plan includes specific air quality monitoring. Kenya’s NDC aims for 100% renewable energy and a 35% emissions cut by 2035, yet does not explicitly measure air pollution benefits. Brazil’s NDC focuses on deforestation and fossil fuel transition but lacks clarity on new oil extraction and zero deforestation pledges. The US, after submitting its plan, has withdrawn its targets, weakening global momentum.

Recent NDCs highlight varied approaches: New Zealand targets “super pollutants” but is seen as unambitious; Japan’s continued fossil fuel use has significant health impacts; Canada is phasing out coal; and the UAE is developing a national monitoring system. However, most plans fall short of the 1.5°C goal, with the UK as a notable exception.

The World Bank estimates that halving global exposure to dangerous air pollution by 2040 would require annual investments to rise from US$9 billion in 2020 to US$14 billion in 2040. Despite this, climate finance commitments remain inadequate, and the ;abbrUS exit further strains resources.

On May 16, 2025, Canada announced over CAD60 million (US$43 million) in support of UN peace operations during the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, which seeks to tackle tactical airlift for peacekeeping, specialized training, advancing the WPS agenda, and enhanced protection of civilians through the Elsie Initiative.

Canadian ministers emphasized the importance of modernizing peace operations to address current conflicts. Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand highlighted peacekeeping as a collective effort that aligns with Canada’s interests. Minister of National Defense David McGuinty reiterated Canada’s dedication to improving UN operations through training and airlift capabilities. Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and global stability.

The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial focused on strengthening peacekeeping by addressing capability gaps and fostering innovation. As the 8^th largest financial contributor to UN peace operations, Canada continues to lead in promoting effective and inclusive peacebuilding efforts.

On May 12, 2025, Canadian development leaders expressed optimism regarding the Liberal Party's recent ODA pledges, emphasizing the importance of sustained and strategic international assistance.

The Liberals committed to maintaining Canada's international humanitarian assistance budget at a minimum of US$800 million annually, with a focus on supporting vulnerable women and girls.

Executive Director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank Andy Harrington highlighted that Canada's continued commitment sends a powerful message to other nations, notably the US, regarding the Trump administration's large ODA cuts. He hopes Canada will leverage its position as host of the upcoming G7 summit to encourage other countries to bolster their commitments to sustainable development and humanitarian assistance.

Executive Director of the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation Janice Hamilton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that international assistance not only supports global development but also enhances Canada's security and economy. She pointed out that investments in global assistance can prevent crises from reaching Canadian borders and create economic opportunities through trade links with the Global South.

CEO of Cooperation Canada Kate Higgins acknowledged domestic economic concerns but cautioned against turning inward. She stressed that global engagement is vital for Canada's economic resilience, security, and international credibility.

Central Committee Canada's Anna Vogt of Mennonite and Cuso International's Nicolas Moyer both emphasized the need for Canada to play a leadership role in peacebuilding and to innovate its ODA strategies to address current global challenges effectively.

On April 28, 2025, Canada's Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, secured a fourth consecutive term in the 2025 federal election, winning 168 seats—just shy of the 172 needed for a majority. Carney capitalized on rising tensions with US President Donald Trump, whose trade threats galvanized Canadian voters concerned about national sovereignty.

The Conservative Party, under Pierre Poilievre, achieved its best performance since 2011 with 144 seats and 41% of the vote, however Poilievre lost his own seat to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy. The Bloc Québécois secured 23 seats, while the New Democratic Party (NDP) faced a significant decline, winning only 7 seats. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost his Burnaby Central seat and subsequently announced his resignation.

Despite falling short of a majority, the Liberals are expected to form a minority government, likely relying on alliances to pass legislation.

On April 5, 2025, Canada announced CAD20 million (US$14 million) in humanitarian assistance for Myanmar following the earthquake.

The funding will support emergency relief efforts, including food, water, and healthcare, delivered through trusted partners like the UN and the Red Cross. Canada’s assistance aims to address the urgent needs of displaced families and those affected by the collapse of critical infrastructure in the hardest-hit areas.

On April 3, 2025, Canada pledged CAD55 million (US$55 million) to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

The funding will be used to procure advanced air defense systems and provide training for Ukrainian forces to operate the equipment effectively. This commitment is part of Canada’s broader support for Ukraine, which includes military, humanitarian, and economic assistance to counter ongoing regional threats.

On March 21, 2025, Canada announced over CAD155 million (US$83 million) in funding to support humanitarian, development, and security efforts in Sudan and the DRC, this includes CAD100 million (US$70 million) for Sudan and CAD55 million (US$41 million) for the DRC.

In Sudan, CAD50 million (US$36 million) will fund life-saving assistance, including food, health, and sanitation services. CAD7 million (US$5 million) is allocated to support survivors of sexual violence, while CAD13 million (US$9 million) will enhance civilian protection and reduce explosive threats.

In the DRC, CAD35 million (US$25 million) will provide humanitarian assistance, and CAD20 million (US$14 million) will strengthen institutions, support survivors of GBV, and help displaced families transition to sustainable livelihoods.

On March 21, 2025, Canada announced CAD30 million (US$22 million) in funding to address urgent humanitarian needs in Lebanon, including food, medical and health services, shelter, and clean water.

The funding will be delivered through partners such as the UN, the Red Cross, and NGOs. This pledge is part of Canada’s broader humanitarian response, bringing its total funding for Lebanon in 2025 to CAD41 million (US$29 million). The support aims to alleviate the severe impacts of ongoing conflict, including food insecurity, displacement, and attacks on healthcare infrastructure.

Canada called for all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Lebanon during this crisis.