FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Guelph ON – March 27, 2026
International development has been on the minds of many Canadians lately. That’s why Dominique O’Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph, hosted a conversation with Secretary of State for International Development, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, today. The Secretary of State heard from local Rotarians about their international work and discussed Canada’s contribution to assistance and development programs around the world including humanitarian aid, programs to combat gender-based violence, agricultural and economic development supports.
“International aid and development, whether provided by a government or by civil society, prevents crises rather than reacting to them, which is more effective and less costly,” said MP O’Rourke. “It can create lasting systems change, that’s good for both recipient and donor countries through greater stability, less irregular migration and trade benefits.”
While Guelph residents may be familiar with beloved local Rotary events such as Tour de Guelph, Sparkles in the Park, the Got Duck race and Ribfest, many may be surprised at the breadth and scope of the international projects undertaken by all five of Guelph’s Rotary clubs. From schools to sanitation and daily nutrition to disaster relief, local Rotarians have quietly been improving the lives of many people around the world. Secretary of State Sarai himself has been deeply involved with initiatives that enhance the quality of life for underserved communities in Canada and around the world. His activism, from organizing local food drives to raising funds to combat polio, to co-founding the organization Supporting Youth Strengthening Families Society, drives his work and demonstrates his commitment to Canada’s international and national development plans.
Earlier on Friday, Hon. Sarai was in the region to announce support in innovation that improves global health in partnership with Canadian leaders in international development, humanitarian efforts, equality and peace. “Canadians here in Guelph and across the country work hard to make the world a fairer, more equitable place. That’s why this morning, I announced a renewed investment of $200 million, delivered through Grand Challenges Canada, to support local innovation to improve global health.
Our continued support and commitment to organizations like Grand Challenges Canada ensures that ideas can grow into solutions that benefit us both at home and abroad,” said The Honourable Randeep Sarai.
Programs like Canada LIFTS – Connecting Communities Matching Fund, is a new $10 million federally funded program. Canada LIFTS has programs open to those meeting the specific criteria for application. Programs like this are vital for the work that Canada does toward developmental impact in building strong and resilient international partners and long-term trade and economic opportunities.
“It’s important to me to make sure that local organizations know about federal government programs that can support and amplify their work in Guelph and globally,” said MP O’Rourke. “That’s good for Guelph and for Canada’s reputation around the world.”
For more information, resources and to apply visit Canada LIFTs
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lianne Cassidy
Chief of Staff to Dominique O'Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph
[email protected] | 519-837-5170