In recent months, the Canadian government has committed billions of dollars in foreign aid to Ukraine, a decision made without the direct input or consent of Canadian taxpayers who are ultimately funding it. This decision hits home for many Canadians, like myself, who believe that our hard-earned tax dollars should be prioritized for national needs and not used to fund international conflicts with which we are not directly involved.

Every year, we see growing needs within our own communities: from the urgent requirement to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education, to addressing the housing crisis and providing adequate support for our seniors and veterans. These are immediate and pressing issues that impact our daily lives and the wellbeing of future generations. It is paramount that our government prioritizes addressing domestic concerns and ensuring that taxpayer money goes directly towards improving conditions within Canada.

While we stand in solidarity with global humanitarian efforts and understand the importance of international support, we must urge the Canadian government to pause and re-evaluate its current foreign aid commitments. Specifically, we are calling for a transparent process that ensures Canadian taxpayers have a direct say in the allocation of funds for foreign aid. This involves comprehensive public consultation and legislative oversight, ensuring any foreign expenditure aligns with the needs and consent of Canadians.

Without this accountability, decisions can be made that do not reflect the values or priorities of the majority, leading to dissatisfaction and a disconnect between the government and its citizens. Our call to action is simple: before committing billions abroad, seek the informed consent of Canadian taxpayers and ensure our national needs are being fully addressed.

Sign this petition if you agree that our tax dollars should be primarily invested in Canada to solve our pressing domestic issues before entering international aid agreements. Let’s keep our resources where they are needed most, and use them to build a stronger Canada for everyone.