To the editor,
It’s easy to be cynical about the G20 meeting in Toronto and feel that these meetings of world leaders do not relate to the average New Glasgow resident, but you’d be wrong.
About one million Canadians sponsor children in developing countries through organizations like Christian Children's Fund of Canada. For many in New Glasgow, this is their personal international aid program.
Ensuring that all children live a productive, healthy life is a clear hope for many Canadians. The G8 and G20 meetings, though definitely imperfect, help create policies that directly impact human dignity and economics. Those of us who care about children have an interest in helping create strategies that translate into meaningful changes in people’s lives.
Today, we are challenged by a complex matrix of global issues. Former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan has called these, “problems without passports.” They affect us all – rich or poor. Through the G8 and G20 meetings, Canada has a unique opportunity to champion some of these problems such as aid and development effectiveness and healthcare for children. Discussing these issues help the million children and their families who are being assisted each day by Canadians who, I believe, care very much.
Philip A. Tanner, Ph.D.
Director, Global Operations
Christian Children’s Fund of Canada
