Keywords Governmental Organizations

CIDA works with a variety of partners to deliver its assistance program. Bilateral projects are based on government-to-government agreements with developing countries. CIDA also enters into contribution agreements with Canadian partners, such as volunteer organizations, universities, co-operatives, professional organizations, churches and so on, to implement projects overseas. CIDA also supports mutually beneficial, development-oriented commercial partnerships between Canadian and developing country private-sector firms. Finally, CIDA also contributes to the assistance programs of multilateral development banks such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank, UN agencies like UNICEF and a variety of international organizations.

Canadians play a key role in their development co-operation program. CIDA's mandate and priorities are arrived at after cross-country public consultations, and most of the co-operation program is implemented by Canadian suppliers of goods and services. Over the years, Canadians have made important contributions in a wide range of development projects and programs. For example, Canada is a world leader in supporting the full integration of women as equal partners in the development of their societies. Canadian engineers have helped build dams, communications systems, airports and railroads. Canadian professionals have also shared their skills in immunization programs, education, community development and environmental protection. In addition, because of Canada's lack of a colonial past and its reputation as a middle power and an "honest broker," Canada has been able to play constructive roles in sensitive areas such as human rights, governance and postwar reconstruction programs.

Author SUSAN TAYLOR MEEHAN

Links to Other Sites
International Institute for Sustainable Development
Since its inception, IISD has been shaped by innovation, solid research and communications efforts, and effective global relationships. This timeline captures some of the key moments in IISD’s history—illustrations of our efforts to move societies towards the globally-accepted outcome of sustainable development.

Canadian International Development Agency
CIDA’s Teacher Zone has been designed with educators in mind as a single on-line portal for high quality, curriculum-based educational resources, and new ideas to help you bring international development to the classroom.

Harvesting Hope
This 1988 article about George Atkins's role in the Developing Countries Farm Radio Network includes a brief history of his pioneering work on the “National Farm Radio Forum” program. From the “Ryerson Review of Journalism.”

Canadian Defence & Foreign Affairs Institute
This organization provides comprehensive policy analysis to promote understanding of Canada’s foreign affairs and aid policies and the state of military preparedness. Numerous online publications are available on their website.

Canadian International Development Agency fonds
Information page for the Canadian International Development Agency fonds. From Library and Archives Canada.

Canadian Society for International Health
The Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH) is a national non-governmental organization that works domestically and internationally to reduce global health inequities and strengthen health systems.