Canada cuts direct foreign aid to China as feds rethink bilateral programs

OTTAWA – Canada has cut direct foreign aid to China as part of an overhaul of international assistance spending.

It’s one of 14 countries that will see their aid either reduced or eliminated by the end of next year by the Canadian International Development Agency.

The changes were made in the wake of the last federal budget, which demanded millions in cuts from the agency.

Many have persistently questioned why China received nearly $30 million a year in bilateral aid from Canada, given its economic superpower status, military muscle and increasing influence on world affairs.

CIDA Minister Julian Fantino says the end of the China program is recognition of the country’s emergence as the world’s second-largest economy.

The cuts come as CIDA is rethinking its entire bilateral program budget, seeking to target more specific sectors for development.