In 1969, former prime minister Lester B. Pearson urged all affluent countries to give 0.7 per cent of their gross national product to poorer nations.
Forty years later, Canada – one of the best-positioned countries to give to the poor – does not reach that benchmark.

This was one of the points made yesterday by a keynote speaker at the 2009 Montreal Millennium Summit, an international gathering of experts working to lessen poverty and hunger on the planet.

The two-day conference, at the Palais des congrès, is aimed at instigating change to meet the challenges of the new century. It features social advocates, government representatives, academics, celebrities, journalists and some of the biggest humanitarian organizations in the world.

After years of coasting on its reputation as one of the most giving nations, Canada is coming up short in the giving category, charged Salil Shetty, director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign.

“As one of the richest countries in the world, Canada is at the lower end of the aid table,” Shetty said. “Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom and New Zealand are all ahead of Canada – and Canadian aid is lower than 1969 levels.” Shetty said.
He pointed out that thanks to prudent banking practices, Canada has been less affected by the current financial crisis.

“Rich countries have an obligation to give more aid, cancel debts and increase trade opportunities for the poor,” Shetty said.

His presentation was followed by a session titled The Food Crisis: Sources and Solutions, and featuring speakers from the World Bank, the United Nations World Food Program, Action Against Hunger and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa.

Shetty challenged Canadians and the federal government to step up and increase aid to the hungry and starving people of the world.
“All eyes will be on Canada for two world events next year, the 2010 Olympic Games and the G8 Summit in June.”

The Montreal Millennium Summit will continue today with such speakers as Sarah Ferguson, Mia Farrow, Val Kilmer and Rebecca Mader and reporter and panel moderator Nick Clooney, also known as George’s father.
For more information, go to www.millenniumsummit.ca
asutherland@thegazette.canwest.com