How is Canadian ODA changing over time?

According to the OECD, the 9% increase in Canada’s ODA between 2020 and 2021 was mainly the result of funding targeting the COVID-19 pandemic and increases in climate finance. Canada's ODA increased again in 2022 to US$7.8 billion, largely due to support to Ukraine (some in the form of humanitarian assistance), increased costs for in-donor refugees, as well as higher contributions to international organizations. ODA held nearly steady in 2023, but has since fallen in 2024 and is set to decrease below pre-pandemic levels from 2025-2027.

According to Global Affairs Canada’s 2024-2025 Departmental Plan, Canada’s spending on 'Development, Peace and Security Programming' is continuing to decrease from its record high of CAD6.4 billion ( US$4.9 billion) in FY2022/23, to CAD5.3 billion ( US$4.1 billion) in FY2023/24, CAD5.6 billion (US$4.3 billion) in FY2024/25, CAD4.9 billion ( US$3.7 billion) in FY2025/26, and CAD4.4 billion ( US$3.4 billion) in FY2026/27.

However, the government vowed to offset these decreases by increasing spending in other priority areas, such as an additional CAD100 million ( US$77 million) to support the Global Fund and new funding for Ukraine. On May 12, 2025, Canadian development leaders welcomed the Liberal Party’s pledge to maintain at least US$800 million annually for international humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the need for sustained, strategic assistance, particularly to support vulnerable women and girls.