Back in the 1970s when a committee was appointed to
investigate how Australian agricultural research could be deployed in the aid
program, one model was seen as being suitable – Canada’s International Development Research Centre.
It shouldn’t surprise that both Canada and Australia want to
contribute aid, and have been giving back to those less fortunate for some
time. Both countries share similar heritages (established under British rule
during the days of Empire), and similar places in the world (developed, middle
power countries).
3 minute video: Australian's commenting on our expenditure on foreign aid, World Vision Australia.
I was in Canada at the end of 2010 and was surprised by the
extent of media coverage around foreign aid and people giving something back. Pleasantly
surprised, because the coverage was largely positive and focused on achievements
and outcomes. And not the flow of dollars.
