DUBLIN (CelebrityAccess) The U2 frontman is heaping praise on the Liberal government for a new infusion of Canadian overseas development spending in its 2018 budget released on Tuesday (Feb. 27.)
Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s budget pledged $2 billion over five years to increase international aid through a new International Assistance Innovation program, designed to come up with flexible new financing arrangements, and the Sovereign Loans program.
It is the biggest increase in Canadian foreign aid in 16 years, and it comes after more than a decade of austerity and budget cuts branded Canada as slow in helping the world’s poorest people.
In a statement, Bono, who founded the anti-poverty advocacy group the ONE Campaign, heaped praise on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Oh, Canada! Prime Minister Trudeau’s budget — and the smart, women-centered policy that guides it — is leadership in action.
“Words alone can be cheap, but words written into budgets are worth their weight in lives saved, and worthy of praise. We are grateful for your leadership today, and for what we know Canada will help the world deliver at the G7 this spring.”
