Those words and a Trump-ordered aid freeze, stop work order, and removal of USAID workers globally amount to a death sentence for thousands immediately and millions over the long-term, mainly women and children. 

Canada faces a choice: will we be Trump and Musk’s accomplice, or will we stand up for the world’s most vulnerable and Canadian values?

The U.S. administration’s move to freeze funding to USAID has created chaos in the humanitarian sector. The consequences are swift and brutal: life-saving medicines are abandoned in warehouses, children are left without food, and vital programs are shuttered. The numbers are stark. Research by theGuttmacher Institute indicates these cuts will lead to unintended pregnancies affecting an estimated 4.2 million women and causing 8,340 deaths due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Virtually overnight, years of progress will be reversed and lives lost. 

In Afghanistan, over 9 million beneficiaries will not receive services, and over 1,700 female health workers will lose their jobs. In Gaza, 50,000 pregnant women will lose critical care. Across the globe, programs supporting girls' education have been closed, increasing the risk of child marriage and trafficking.

We know all this because despite Mr. Musk’s claims, the aid sector utilises robust monitoring and evaluation to account for the impact of every dollar spent. We know where the money goes, who it helps and what the positive results are with a level of transparency and accountability not found in any other sector. We know what works.

This crisis calls for leadership, and thankfully, Canada has a history of stepping up when others falter. In 2017, when the U.S. made the decision to block funding to organizations supporting abortion services, Canada doubled its funding for reproductive health and rights around the world, committing $650 million over three years. This commitment not only filled a critical gap but also sent a message that women's health and rights are a priority and a Canadian value.

It is not just emergency funds though, Canada’s aid sector supports agriculture initiatives that enable families to lift themselves out of poverty and create food security. In fact, we know through decades of study that investments in agriculture, and particularly women’s participation is one of the best ways to safeguard families and build food security that moves beyond aid.

Projects like STRONG’HER in Ethiopia aim to empower women in agriculture by increasing their access to new technologies and practices. Similarly, in Morocco, Canada is supporting projects that enhance the economic empowerment of women through cooperatives. In Sri Lanka, projects are underway to strengthen climate-smart agriculture, producing more food while building resilience to weather extremes. These projects not only improve food security and economic well-being but also empower women to become leaders in their communities.

These aren’t just acts of charity. These programs are an investment that ultimately benefits Canadians. The Canadian organisation, Farm Radio International shares farming know-how with over 100 million small-hold farmers. World Vision Canada has provided agriculture and livestock training to over 200,000 people since 2019.Thousands of Canadian farmers donate their own time and money to support the Canadian Foodgrains Bank in its work of ending global hunger, and count on the Canadian government matching their donations.

This knowledge-sharing is not a one-way street. Canadian farmers and agriculture experts go abroad to teach techniques and learn. This two-way exchange of knowledge is crucial for our own agriculture sector as we grapple with the impacts of climate change. 

The interconnectedness of global issues means that neglecting development is not only shortsighted but also dangerous. As new alliances form and anti-democratic movements gain ground, Canada must play an active role in shaping a more stable, equitable world. 

Development, alongside diplomacy, defense, and trade, is a vital pillar of our foreign policy. It is a strategic investment in global stability, economic opportunity, and long-term security, and it reflects our values as a nation.

Now, more than ever, Canada must not be complacent. We must continue to support programs that empower women and girls, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen health systems. We must also advocate for increased global cooperation and hold those who would undermine these efforts accountable. It is our duty to continue to champion the rights and dignity of all people, particularly the most vulnerable. The well-being of women and children around the world is inextricably linked to our own, and by investing in their future, we are also investing in ours.

Our leaders should have a simple message for Donald Trump and his administration, backed up by meaningful aid increases: “We are not your 51st state. We are proud Canadians and we stand with the women and children of the world; not against them.”

By Louis Belanger, Director of Campaign at Bigger than our Borders

*Bigger Than Our Borders is a campaign championed and funded by leading NGOs urging the Canadian government to significantly increase foreign aid funding