Question Period Note: What is Canada's development assistance doing in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is one of the largest recipients of Canadian international development assistance, which continues to achieve results and have a positive impact on the lives of Ethiopians.

• Ethiopia is a key partner for Canadian development assistance, which is focused on promoting Human Dignity, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Growth that Works for Everyone, Women and Girls' Empowerment, Environment and Climate Change and Inclusive Governance
• In 2018-19, Canada's international assistance to Ethiopia totalled more $136 million, being delivered mainly through Canadian, international and local as well as multilateral institutions.
• In 2020, Canada has provided $30 million in response to COVID-19 as well as $17.75 million in humanitarian assistance to Ethiopians and refugees affected by emerging crises.
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Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Sub-Saharan Africa (over 100 million people), and one of the world's poorest nations (173 out of 189 countries in the 2019 Human Development Index).In 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed formed Ethiopia's first gender balanced Cabinet, appointed Ethiopia's first woman President, Sahle-Work Zewde, and first woman Chair of the National Election Board, Birtukan Midekssa.Canada's international assistance focuses on strengthening food systems and nutrition; fostering inclusive economic growth, targeting women and youth; sexual reproductive health and rights, especially for adolescent girls; and promoting inclusive and accountable governance.Canada supports efforts to open democratic space and is working with the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen its capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms, implement reforms, and engage in inclusive dialogue. Specifically, the Government of Canada funds programs which seek to strengthen Ethiopia's democratic institutions and the delivery of free and fair elections. More than $30 million has been allocated to address COVID-19 in Ethiopia. This includes $10 million to support COVID-related activities through Ethiopia's flagship Productive Safety Nets Program.The period since the appointment of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in April 2018 has seen an unprecedented amount of openness. PM Abiy has taken steps towards the creation of more political space, increasing media freedom, releasing opposition politicians from jail, fostering a spirit of reconciliation, and repairing relationships with his neighbors. His efforts towards reconciliation with Eritrea earned him the Nobel Prize in 2019. However, there have also been outbreaks of serious interethnic and intercommunal violence in various parts of the country and an armed confrontation in Tigray that poses a major challenge to peace and security. The 2021 national elections in Ethiopia will also be critically important for the sustainability of PM Abiy's reforms.

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