International Development Week February 2 - 8, 2025 Join us in celebrating International Development Week (IDW) 2025, as we come together from coast to coast to coast to shine a spotlight on Canadian international development efforts. About International Development Week International Development Week (IDW) is an annual initiative that takes place during the first full week of February. Since 1991, IDW has brought together civil society organizations, schools, businesses, government agencies, and the general public to highlight Canadian contributions to international development initiatives from coast to coast to coast and overseas. This year’s International Development Week (#IDW2025) will take place from February 2 to 8 and will be celebrated by  ACIC, Global Affairs Canada, Canadian development organizations, and Canadians with events and activities across Atlantic Canada and the country . Learn More Events List ACIC and our partners will be hosting IDW themed events throughout the week. Stay tuned for information about events in your region. If you attended an ACIC or ACIC-Member event during International Development Week, fill out this survey for a chance to win a $25 gift card . A Journey Into The Unknown: The Migration Experience Through Film and Discussion (Hubbards, NS) Feb 08, 2025, 2:00 p.m. JD Shatford Public Library, 10353 St Margarets Bay Rd, Hubbards, NS B0J 1T0, Canada More info Details Trivia & Games Night Feb 07, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Community Hub on Joyce, 140 Joyce Ave, Moncton, NB E1A 7H4, Canada More info Details The Power of Dialogue to Build Community Feb 07, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Zoom More info Details Cooking Around the World Feb 07, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Truro Fire Service, 165 Victoria St, Truro, NS B2N 1Z5, Canada More info Details Challenging Hegemony in Development Feb 07, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Zoom More info Details Gender Based Violence in the Workplace and Vulnerability of Temporary Foreign Workers Feb 07, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Charlottetown Public Library, Dominion Building, 97 Queen St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4A9, Canada More info Details Reimagining Agricultural Development in a Future Post-conflict Haiti Feb 05, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Charlottetown Public Library, Dominion Building, 97 Queen St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4A9, Canada More info Details A Journey Into The Unknown Feb 05, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Paul O'Regan Hall, Halifax Library, 5440 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3J 1E9, Canada More info Details What do a Match and Kite have in common? Feb 04, 2025, 5:30 p.m. UNB Menahqesk Saint John; IH104, 100 Tucker Park Rd, Saint John, NB E2K 5E2, Canada More info Learn more International Youth Internship Program Information Session Feb 04, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Zoom More info Details Fiction and Global Development Feb 04, 2025, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Mona Campbell Building Room 1108, 1459 Lemarchant St, Halifax, NS B3H 3P8, Canada More info Learn more Weather Preparedness for Newcomers Feb 03, 2025, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Immigrant and Refugee Services Assoc., 49 Water St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1A3, Canada More info Details Around the World with Trivia (Postponed) Date and time is TBD Scotia Curry, 9989 St Margarets Bay Rd, Hubbards, NS B0J 1T0, Canada More info Details Engagement Through PhotoVoices Feb 05, 2025, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location is TBD More info Learn more

ACIC's 50th Anniversary Travel through time with us as we follow ACIC’s journey from a regional committee to the organization as we know it today. 2025 ACIC in 2025 For 50 years, the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation has supported a diverse range of organizations across Atlantic Canada, advocated for our region on a national level, and created opportunities for youth to become confident leaders. We have persevered through operational obstacles, global uncertainty, and unpredictable levels of support. Through it all, we have maintained our goals of public engagement, advocacy, capacity-building, and youth empowerment. Though we have remained consistent during our time as an organization, we have also found places to grow. Justice, equity, and sustainability have always been core to our vision; we continue to learn and progress through intentionally incorporating decolonization, anti-racism, and intersectionality into our programs and operations. Thank you to all of our members, partners, and participants – you make us the organization we are today. We’re excited to continue and expand our work to help make Atlantic Canada, our country, and our world a more just, equitable, and sustainable place. Participants at ACIC’s 2025 Symposium in Halifax, From Aid To Action. We engage Atlantic Canadians in issues related to international development, global solidarity and social justice. Through our public engagement work, we aim to give Atlantic Canadians the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to become active global citizens. Our rich and vibrant coalition is united by a strong commitment to build a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Our work over the coming five years is focused on fostering just, equitable, and sustainable communities, both locally and globally. Guided by this vision for the present and the future, our core values will guide us in our relationships, planning, programs, and operations. Our strategic directions will be achieved alongside, and in service to our Communities of Focus and those centred in our work. 2025 LIFT Funded by GAC and run through the ICN, the LIFT program will support SMOs to scale their international development projects and strengthen their capacity to respond to the most pressing global challenges. Hosted by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, LIFT will help organizations strengthen capacity, deepen partnerships, and scale their global development work, supporting 150+ small and medium sized organizations across the country. Pictured here are the Executive Directors of Canada’s Councils for International Cooperation alongside Global Affairs Canada Staff. Featured Programs from Our History 2006-Present ACIC’S Youth Conferences The very first Move Your World Youth Conference is held in 2006. Over the years, Move Your World made way for the ACT 4 Global Change Youth Conference, and later the Global Citizenship Youth Conference, which ACIC continues to hold annually. Text Text Text Text 2025 ODA update At the end of Justin Trudeau’s 10-year term as Prime Minister, Canadian ODA is 0.34% of GNI, still far short of the UN goal of 0.7%. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. (Richard Drew/Associated Press) 2024 Leo Cheverie Award In memory of past ACIC board member Leo Cheverie, the first Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award is announced. The award recognizes community leaders who have made significant contributions to their local and global communities. The first award was presented at the 2025 symposium. Leo was a longtime advocate for fariness and equity, and played a significant role in helping shape ACIC into what we are today. The Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award honours individuals whose long-standing commitment to justice equity, and global solidarity has created lasting change, often behind the scenes. Featured Programs from Our History 2023-2028 IYIP with the Marine Institute ACIC partners with the Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador to deploy 190 interns to placements in 15 countries, prioritizing Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ participants. ACIC’s first cohort of the IYIP program consisted of 21 interns from across Canada, travelling to placements in Central America, the Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, and from home through our virtual placement. At the time of writing, ACIC is currently recruiting for our fourth cohort of interns. So far, 73 interns from across Canada have been able to participate in international internships, around halfway through the program. 2022 Anti-Racism Framework After our Safer Spaces Dialogue pilot in 2021, ACIC publishes our anti-racism framework. Pictured here are ACIC staff, board, and members participating in a Membership Anti-Racism Training in Tatamagouche, NS. 2022 COVID-19 pandemic The World Health Organization declares the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Between February 2020 and May 2023, Canada contributes $1.4 billion for humanitarian and development assistance for immediate pandemic responses. Nationally, NGOs like ACIC must halt their programming almost overnight and adapt to become fully virtual. In the international development field, issues relating to travel, reliable internet access, funding concerns, and exacerbated inequalities strongly impacts NGOs and their partners. The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty and major shifts to ACIC programs, from postponed travel to rapid digital pivots. Yet, in this time of disruption, our members and partners showed remarkable resilience and continued working towards shared goals in new was. ACIC programs were moved towards online or hybrid models, and our network adapted to engaging with communities in virtual spaces. Pictured above are the 2022 ACIC Symposium, Through the Looking Glass, and a 2022 Storytelling for Social Change workshop. Featured Programs from Our History 2022-Present Partnership Enhancement Fund The Partnership Enhancement Fund provides ACIC members the opportunity to invite their international partners to Atlantic Canada. Breaking the Silence is the fund’s current recipient, and LifeSchoolHouse, Venture 2 Impact, and The Cooper Institute have all used the fund to enhance relationships with partners across the globe. In 2025, ACIC funded Breaking the Silence through the Partnership Enhancement fund to bring two speakers, Maria Ines Cuj Chopen and Patrik Evelio Mucia Poz, to the Atlantic for the 2025 Symposium. Also funded by the Partnership Enhancement Fund, ACIC member organization Venture2Impact supported travel for Freddy Duque to join the ACIC 2023 Symposium in Charlottetown from Colombia. 2021-2023 Our Communities, Our Voices 24 young Indigenous leaders learned how to create meaningful change through social media. The participants partook in a series of workshops teaching them how to launch social media campaigns to raise awareness of social movements in Indigenous communities and engage them in the SDGs. “Indigenous people already make the connection of the interconnectedness of the SDGs. Its part of us, everything is energy and everything has life tot i. Everything is worthwhile.” Kailey Simon Our Communities, Our Voices Program Participant 2022 The 'Our Communities, Our Voices' program aimed to engage young Indigenous leaders to share stories, knowledge, and perspectives from their own Communities. Using the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for discussion, the team of Indigenous women and two-spirit folks gained skill, knowledge, and support systems for becoming advocates in their communities. Featured Programs from Our History 2020-Present PhotoVoices Projects Since 2020, ACIC has partnered with multiple organizations to create 5 photovoice projects with over 100 youth both regionally and internationally. PhotoVoices allows youth to tell stories through photos while also providing a place to learn about social justice. 2022-23 PhotoVoice participants in Nigeria, through ACIC’s partnership with the Mcrissar Foundation. Photo sumbitted during the 2024 PhotoVoices program from a participant in Atlantic Canada. Similar to past iterations, this year’s group covered Gender Inequality as the PhotoVoice theme. A submission from 2025’s Dream Africa PhotoVoices program. 2025’s cohort covered racial inequality as their PhotoVoices theme, in partnership with Connecting to Africa and Algo Peers. 2019 Youth Stream ACIC introduces the first Youth Stream to our annual symposium. ACIC’s Youth Stream program aims to provide opportunities to Canadian youth to participate in our symposium programming, without the burden of travel, accommodation, and other costs that would create barriers for youth participation. Youth representation is essential to ACIC’s work because young people bring fresh perspectives, lived experience, and bold ideas that strengthen how our sector approaches global solidarity. Pictured here are youth attendees at ACIC events like the ACIC symposium and Youth Gathering. 2019 Spur Change ICN starts Spur Change, a 7-year capacity-building and knowledge-sharing initiative that provides support for Canadian Small and Medium Organization in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development projects. The Spur Change program is led by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation in partnership with the other provincial and regional councils across Canada. Its activities are designed to strengthen the ability of small and medium-sized organizations to deliver sustainable, equity-driven results aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals; deepen the engagement of Canadians as informed and active global citizens; and support meaningful knowledge-sharing between Canadian SMOs and their partners around the world. Through its 7 years of programming, Spur Change has hosted workshops and trainings in Atlantic Canada, covering topics like Risk Management and Data Collection. Pictured here are Spur Trainings in Halifax Nova Scotia in 2025 and 2024. 2019 Hosting ICN ACIC begins our term as host for the Inter-Council Network. In 2019, the Inter-Council Network (ICN) transitioned its national coordination team to Halifax, with ACIC taking on the role of hosting the program. This move brought new momentum to the East Coast and strengthened collaboration across Canada, creating fresh opportunities for shared learning, sector coordination, and collective action in global solidarity. Above are photos of the Inter-Council Network’s Youth Delegation to AWID (Thailand) in 2024, and the Executive Directors of MCIC, ACIC, ACGC, and AQOCI alongside the Minister for International Development, Ahmed Hussen. 2019 Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT) FIT is designed to support Canadian SMOs testing innovative solutions that advance gender equality in the Global South. The program seeks to foster collective learning and capacity-building through the creation of knowledge-sharing spaces and practices. The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security from Dalhousie University tested a comprehensive prevention program to protect children from being recruited and used as soldiers, with a focus on conflict related sexual violence in Juba, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan. Coady International Institute tested tools with women farmers to identify capacity building needs, such as accessing new technologies, credit, infrastructure, markets, financial and business planning/management in the Nyando Valley (Kenya) and in two districts of Gujarat State in India. Featured programs from our history 2018-2023 International Internships for Indigenous Youth Co-implemented by ACIC and the Northern Council for Global Cooperation, the International Internships for Indigenous Youth program provided placements for 99 youth with organizations in 7 countries in the Global South. The program was adapted to provide virtual alternatives for 55 virtual interns during the COVID-19 pandemic. IIIY Interns in 2018-19 in Kenya. This cohort of interns travelled to placements in Costa Rica, Guyana, Nepal, Cambodia, and Kenya. 2017 A “Feminist Foreign Policy” The federal government announces its new Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to “reduce extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.” Image from Global Affairs Canada. 2016 ICN SMO Report The ICN publishes “Small and Medium-Sized Canadian Civil Society Organizations as Development Actors”, a report that presents evidence of SMOs’ competencies and values in the international development sector. It also discusses the negative impact that CIDA’s change to an exclusive call-for-proposal funding model had on SMOs. 2016 ODA update Canada’s net ODA is 0.26% of GNI. The paper develops a profile of Canadian SMOs involved in development cooperation, examines the impact of changing funding modalities on SMOs from 2010 to 2016, and outlines the characteristics of SMOs as development actors. The report is available at this link. Featured Programs from Our History 2002-Present International Youth Internship Program 2002 marked the first time ACIC received funding for the International Youth Internships Program! 4 youth participated in the first year. By the end of 2025, ACIC will have supported nearly 300 interns working in over 25 countries through our internship programs. Former ACIC intern, Andrea Germann in Jamaica in 2002. ACIC IYIP Interns in Tanzania in October 2025. ACIC’s first cohort of IYIP Interns in Tatamagouche in early October 2002. 2024 IYIP Interns in Tatamagouche before heading to their international placements. 2015 New global agreements The federal government announces its new Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to “reduce extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.” 2015 Trudeau’s changes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau renames DFATD to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and states that “Canada is back.” 2014 Engage, Strengthen, Connect ACIC establishes objectives to increase Atlantic Canadians’ awareness of key global issues and engagement in international cooperation; strengthen and build capacity for increased effectiveness; and facilitate better knowledge-sharing among ACIC members and other stakeholders. ACIC’s 2014 Strategic Plan shaped our strategic directions by focusing on three main pillars; To increase Atlantic Canadians' awareness of key global issues and engagement in international cooperation; to strengthen and build capacity for increased effectiveness; and to facilitate better knowledge sharing among ACIC members and other stakeholders. Pictured above are the ACIC Board of Directors and Staff teams in 2013 and 2015. Featured Programs from Our History 2014-Present Members’ Public Engagement Fund The Members’ Public Engagement Fund provides financial support to ACIC members for small public engagement projects. It emerged out of the previous Members’ Collaboration Fund, and has funded projects such as film screenings, conferences, workshops, and more. Text Text 2013 CIDA → DFATD CIDA is amalgamated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to create DFATD: the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development. This development reduces traditional mechanisms for civil engagement, and NGOs “are expected to compete in calls for proposals and act as contractors to implement the government’s priorities.” Featured Programs from Our History 2006-2011 First Voices: Connecting Aboriginal Youth in the North and South Over 5 years, First Voices brought together 24 Indigenous youth from Atlantic Canada, Guatemala, Chile, Honduras, Botswana, and the Philippines to create confident global citizens through a variety of art forms. Text Text Text 2009 Shirley Case Leadership Award Founded ACIC founds the Shirley Case Leadership Award in Global Citizenship in honour of Shirley Case, a former ACIC intern who was killed in Afghanistan while working with the International Rescue Committee. The award is presented annually to an individual or group in Atlantic Canada who has demonstrated the spirit of global citizenship and helped create a more just and sustainable world through engaging in meaningful global citizenship activities. Burris Devanney, winner of the 2016 Shirley Case Leadership Award for Global Citizenship at ACIC’s 2016 Symposium Gala. Shirley worked with ACIC as an intern in 2004-05, spending four months with us in Halifax before travelling to work with our partner organization, the NGO Coalition for the Environment (NGOCE) in Calabar, Nigeria for five months. Irene Novaczek, winner of the Shirley Case Leadership Award for Global Citizenship 2014, with previous winners Jackie McVicar, Joan Campbell, and Marian White. Stories From Across the Decades "Text." Bill Chislett International Development Specialist, MI International 2006-2015 Tying New Knots Under the Harper government, international aid is “untied” in name, but not in practice. Minister for International Cooperation Julian Fantino states that “foreign aid should benefit Canadian companies,” as demonstrated by partnerships between INGOs and Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries. Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses the UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals in New York on Sept. 21, 2010. PAUL CHIASSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS 2006 Inter-Council Network The Inter-Council Network is formed to “create a national space for regional voices, to demonstrate our leadership in public engagement and to undertake cross country initiatives and programs." Featured Programs from Our History 2006 Both Sides of the Coin Microcredit Project ACIC organized a research project, workshops, and speakers tour on the topic of microcredit in Atlantic Canada and overseas. We organized two sessions at the Global Microcredit Summit, including a “Listening to the Borrowers” session which marked the first time microcredit borrowers had attended the summit. Text Text 2005 New Strategic Priorities ACIC’s new strategic plan brings with it new priorities: act as a forum for policy dialogue, create capacity-building opportunities, coordinate public engagement efforts, and strengthen our ability to function effectively. Text Text Featured programs from our history 2003-2004 NGO Coalition for the Environment ACIC worked with the NGOCE, a consortium of Canadian and Nigerian organizations working together to promote sustainability and protect the environment in Nigeria, to develop workshops on participatory monitoring and evaluation, policy development, and coalition building, as well as assisting in the creation of a communications plan. Text 2004 Relocation A growing ACIC moves our office from interim host Falls Brook Centre to Halifax. Text Text Featured Programs from Our History 2003 Travelling Wisely Workshops ACIC held workshops on Culturally and Environmentally Appropriate Travel and Tourism (CEATT). ACIC members created the workshop materials for over 180 participants across the Atlantic provinces. As tourism became the world’s largest industry in the early 2000s, ACIC partnered with the Fredericton YMCA (NB), Rising Tide Cooperative (NS), CUSO PEI (PE), Extension Community Development Cooperative (NL), and the Falls Brook Centre (NB) to host workshops on responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The first year of the Traveling Wisely project drew on the experiences of ACIC member groups working in tourism development in Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Chile, and the Phillipines. The Traveling Wisely project directly engaged travel agents, tourism students, travel and toruism representatives, and the general public through workshops and one-on-one interviews. 2001 A New Vision ACIC creates a three-year strategic plan, with objectives to engage the public on international issues; build relationships regionally, nationally, and globally; facilitate culturally and environmentally appropriate travel and tourism; represent Atlantic Canada on a national scale; and diversify our funding base. As of August 2001, ACIC already has 28 members. Text ACIC’s Board of Directors in 2002. 2001 Expansion and reduction CIDA announces offices in St. John’s and Halifax, with a regional headquarters in Moncton. Nearing the end of the Chretien government, ODA has decreased to 0.22% of GNI. ACIC coordinator Sarah Shima and the Honourable Maria Minna, Minister for International Cooperation at the announcement for CIDA’s new regional office in Moncton 2000 Reassembly In April 2000, a meeting at the Coady Institute in Antigonish culminates with the reassembly of ACIC! The Falls Brook Centre, an established NGO, offers to host ACIC at a temporary base. An interim council is named and ACIC receives CIDA funding from a public engagement fund for a series of regional deliberations on climate change. Text 2000 MDGs The United Nations announce the Millennium Development Goals, 8 goals to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. The Millennium Development Goals set a shared global agenda for 2000 to 2015, mobilizing governments, civil society, and international partners around concrete targets to improve human well-being. While progress varied across regions, the MDGs helped reduce extreme poverty, expand access to education, and improve health outcomes worldwide, ultimately paving the way for the broader and more inclusive Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015. Climate Change Public Deliberation Project 2000-2002 Climate Change Public Deliberation Project ACIC started our return with a series of CIDA-funded public deliberations on climate change in all four of the Atlantic provinces. Participants learned about climate change and policy options regionally, nationally, and internationally. Michael Warren, who moderated dialogues in the Halifax area said “Overwhelmingly, the consensus was that better public education efforts are necessary for people to grasp the importance of this issue... Participants articulated a strong faith in fellow citizens to adapt in the face of encroaching crisis” Taking the analysis from the first year of deliberations, ACIC hsoted a two-day climate change conference in Saint-Joseph, NB titled Global Climate, Community Reslience, and Responses from Atlantic Canada, which was attended by over 40 participants. In total, more than 20 deliberations were held in Atlantic Canada with more than 250 participants attending and contributing their ideas on climate change. 1995 Dormancy Due to CIDA cuts, ACIC’s office in Moncton is forced to close. A new board is elected, but without funding, the organization goes dormant. 1995 A cutting blow CIDA’s funding is cut again, ending their delegated funds “as well as the majority of the domestic public education programs in Canada's international development sector.” 1994 Becoming the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation In March 1994, ACIC is legally incorporated under New Brunswick legislation! With an office in Moncton, an 8-member board, and a paid coordinator, ACIC focuses on building membership, networking, and training workshops for dealing with organizational change. 1993 ARC Expanding A feasibility study finds that there is an opportunity, a need, and a desire for a Regional Council in the Atlantic provinces. 1993 Further cuts and tied aid Under newly-elected Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, major cuts hit the international development sector. CIDA’s Public Participation Program is abolished. In 1995, funding to the sub-Saharan Africa program is slashed by 20.5% over three years. Canada adopts a “tied aid” approach — international aid that requires the recipient country to procure goods or services from the donor. Text 1992 NAC abolished The 1992 budget eliminates the National Action Committee on Development Education. Text 1991 IDW The first International Development Week is celebrated across Canada. International Development Week (IDW) was launched in Canada in 1991 to highlight global cooperation and celebrate the contributions of Canadians working toward poverty reduction, human rights, and sustainable development. Since its inception, IDW has served as a national moment to reflect on our shared responsibilities, amplify global solidarity efforts, and inspire Canadians to take action for a more just and equitable world. Featured programs from our history 1970s to early 1990s Unionization and union support Early ARC members were involved in unemployment issues and unionization drives with groups like the United Rubber Workers and Canadian Auto Workers. Into the 1990s, the ARC supported projects with Maritimes Fishermen’s Union, the National Farmer’s Union, and more. 1989 A changing world The 1989 Canadian federal budget cuts CIDA funding by 13%. In the wake of the Cold War, donor countries like Canada adopt neoliberal approaches to development aid. Text mid-1980s CIDA’s reach In the mid-1980s, CIDA supports over 2400 projects led by 200 organizations, including CCIC and the ARC. Featured Programs from Our History 1977–1979 People’s Food Commission In a time when food prices soared and production declined, the ARC joined this nationwide initiative bringing together farmers, consumers, and food processing workers in a comprehensive inquiry into the food system. Their final report, “The Land of Milk and Money,” became the base for the People’s Food Policy by Food Secure Canada. Text Text 1980s Period of Outreach Before the professionalization of NGO work, development activism and education expands during the 1980s. ARC projects during this time focused on the local and connecting it to the global scale. Prevailing issues concerned regional agriculture, mining, fishery, and union issues. The ARC’s only source of income was an annual grant from CCIC, typically $20,000 (approximately $52,000 in today’s currency). Featured programs from our history 1976 St. John’s Mummers Troupe Named after a quote from a Newfoundland fisherman to an international development presenter, “What’s That Got to Do with the Price of Fish?” was a touring theatrical production about the struggle of local fishermen under federal fisheries policy. 1975-1976 Canadian international aid peaks at 0.53% GNI The recommended target from the United Nations is 0.7%, established in 1970. Featured programs from our history 1970s & 1980s Supporting liberation through performance During liberation wars in southern Africa and Central America, the ARC organized a series of events in the region to create international understanding. These events included political speakers, musicians, playwrights, and poets. 1975 CCIC establishes the Atlantic Regional Committee CCIC forms their Atlantic Regional Committee (ARC), the original ACIC, from a group of community animators across the region who saw regional social change organizations’ need for support. Staffing was contractual and there was no office, but the representative members were able to use a Small Projects Fund as grants for regional projects. Featured programs from our history 1970s Mulgrave Road Theatre Co-op Mulgrave Road Theatre is a progressive theatre project based out of Guysborough, Nova Scotia. The ARC also supported other theatre and arts projects, such as a travelling show based on the Baie Verte mine’s Steelworkers Union in Newfoundland. Text 1968 Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) is founded CCIC was created to "foster good practice among civil society organizations working to reduce global poverty.” 1968 Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is founded CIDA funded international development assistance projects, both directly and through NGOs like CCIC.

Our vibrant coalition of Atlantic Canadian individuals, organizations, and institutions are committed to creating a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Our members work on achieving a peaceful and healthy environment, with social justice, human dignity and participation for all. Organizations based in Atlantic Canada can join our membership as an organizational member, while Atlantic Canadians can join as individual associates. Meet Our Members Membership Benefits Meet Our Members Meet Our Members Nova Scotia Newfoundland and Labrador New Brunswick Prince Edward Island All Organizational Members All Individual Associates Why should you join? Membership Benefits 1 Expand your network As a member of ACIC, you'll be part of a vibrant network that connects you with people, local organizations, and important groups working in the international cooperation sector, across the Atlantic region and at a national level. You'll have the opportunity to learn about their work, interact with them at their upcoming events, and learn what they're up to. Plus, you can share updates about your own organization, creating valuable connections and collaborations. 2 Professional and Capacity Development Opportunities We believe in your growth and expertise. ACIC hosts annual professional development workshops in the Atlantic provinces to enable knowledge sharing. These opportunities are spaces to learn new skills and gain practical knowledge. As a member, you'll enjoy free or discounted registration for these workshops. You'll be invited along with all our members, to join us at our flagship events, our Annual General Meeting, Symposium and networking opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn best practices in international development and global education. 3 Funding, Grants and Awards As ACIC Members, you can apply for our grants and awards. For our workshops and capacity building opportunities, members can apply for travel bursaries and workshop ticket bursaries. Every year, our members play an integral role in nominating and selecting the winner of the Shirley Case Leadership Award. Our members can apply for our funds every year, including for Organizational and Individual Membership Public Engagement Fund, partner with us for International Development Week, and for our Partnership Engagement Fund. We also regularly share opportunities for funding, grants and awards with our membership through our communication channels. 4 Your Voice Matters: Member-Driven Approach At ACIC, your voice matters. We are a council created by our members, for our members. This means you actively participate in shaping ACIC's policies, priorities, and procedures, ensuring they align with your needs and aspirations. Our member-driven approach fosters a sense of ownership and shared purpose, driving collective responses to challenges and opportunities within the international development and global education landscape. Our member-based committees offer space to direct dialogue, and ACIC programming. 5 Stay updated and engaged ACIC keeps you informed and engaged through our communication channels. You'll receive news, job opportunities, funding opportunities from the sector, and upcoming event details right to your inbox. We also share member events and opportunities on our website and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads. If you need information about the international sector or our members, we're here to help. We also share updates and opportunities from Global Affairs Canada and national and international agencies. 6 Regional, National and International Representation We advocate for issues that are important to you. As current hosts of the Inter-Council Network, we offer a space to network and learn from other organizations across the country. We help facilitate leadership roles within regional, national and international dialogues for our membership. As members and partners of Cooperation Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and the federal government, we make sure your concerns are heard and addressed. 7 A Supportive Community with a Shared Vision We are a community united by a vision of justice, equality, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development in the Atlantic region. ACIC members are always there to support each other, making a positive impact together. Want to connect with a subject matter expert? Want to run your idea by someone, or looking for an organization to partner with? Reach out to us or other members, and we'll help you form those connections. Apply for Membership Apply for Organizational Membership Apply to Become An Individual Member To apply for membership, please fill out the application form. Once we receive your completed form, and our Membership Committee (formed of Board Members, Staff and other Members) approves your application, you can pay below. If you need assistance in the application process, would like more information, or are hoping to renew your membership, please reach out to us at membership@acic-caci.org .

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Join us in Halifax, June 18-19, 2025, for two days of transformative discussions, collaboration, and action. Celebrating 50 years of solidarity & global cooperation, this year’s symposium will bring together changemakers to reimagine international development. June 18 + 19, 2025 Halifax, NS & Virtually Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University Symposium PhotoVoices Across the globe, powerful and well-resourced countries are pulling back on their commitments to Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). These decisions create real uncertainty for communities and organizations working to advance global solidarity. At a time when foreign aid remains essential to addressing urgent global challenges, this retreat signals the need for renewed dialogue, collaboration, and action. As ACIC marks its 50th anniversary, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The landscape of international cooperation is shifting rapidly. Political polarization, funding cuts, and changing global power dynamics are testing the foundations of solidarity and development work. These shifts call for new approaches that centre justice, equity, and local leadership. This year’s Symposium invites us to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine the future of global cooperation. Together, we’ll ask: What role does foreign aid continue to play in building more equitable, connected communities? How can we sustain and diversify resources in the face of political and economic uncertainty? What does it take to build partnerships rooted in long-term, community-led solutions? How can we learn from past movements and transitions to navigate today’s challenges with clarity and purpose? The Symposium will bring together current and past ACIC members—those who have helped build just, equitable communities across the globe—alongside civil society leaders, policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and youth. Together, we will examine how international cooperation has evolved over the decades, and how we can move forward with hope, purpose, and a shared commitment to equity and justice. Education remains central to this conversation, both as a catalyst for peace and security and as a tool for equipping communities with the knowledge to engage in global development efforts. From grassroots activism to institutional advocacy, from Southern-led partnerships to shifts in donor landscapes, this Symposium will highlight pathways to action, ensuring that hope remains the foundation for international cooperation in the decades ahead. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to global solidarity and the transformative power of partnership. In times of uncertainty, we look back to move forward, learning from history to build a more just, resilient, and interconnected future. Schedule Speakers Our Speakers and Presenters. This year’s Symposium will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers from across the Atlantic region, Canada, and the globe, bringing together voices from grassroots movements, civil society organizations, academia, and international cooperation networks. Their lived experiences and insights will ground our discussions in the realities of today’s challenges and the possibilities for collective action. To learn more about our speakers and presenters, click on the images below: Ambassador Lilly Nicholls (Retd.) Former Canadian Ambassador Shelly Whitman Executive Director, Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security Wayn Hamilton Board Member, Connecting To Africa Heather McPherson NDP MP, Edmonton-Strathcona Janice Hamilton Executive Director, Manitoba Council for International Cooperation Bright Kwame Fiaga Founder and President of the International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (ICIEE) Ashley Rerrie Program Officer at the Equality Fund Paul Farran Director of Policy and Advocacy at Cooperation Canada Samuel Quansah Executive Director, Algo Peers Elder Joe Michael Pipe Carrier and a Sacred Fire Keeper Vicky Yee Executive Director, Women's Fund Fiji Eileen Alma Executive Director at Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University Andrew Smith Director General, Pan-African Affairs at Global Affairs Canada Judyannet Muchiri Policy and Research Officer, Inter-Council Network Kai Audi Programmes Officer, Jinsiangu Kenya DeNel Rehberg Sedo Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University María Inés Cuj Chopén General Coordinator, Administrator, and Certified Permaculturist The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) Jennifer Elms Gender Equality Advisor at Aga Khan Foundation North America Tsigie Haile Founder and director of the Organization for Women in Self- Employment (WISE) Patrik Evelio Mucia Poz Biodiversity Program Coordinator, Seed Bank Administrator, Permaculture Educator The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) Dr. Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete Maritimes Coordinator, Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) David Black Professor of International Development Studies at Dalhousie University Jonathan Langdon Professor and the Canada Research Chair for Sustainability and Social Change Leadership at St Francis Xavier University Max-Prosper Fortuna Deputy Director, le Centre Haitien du Leadership et de l’Excellence (Haitian Centre for Leadership and Excellence) James Parsons Executive Director, Canadian Partnerships Division at Global Affairs Canada Shelagh Savage Lecturer, International Development Studies Department at Dalhousie University Caleigh Wong Veteran Research Partner at the Centre for Social Innovation and Community Engagement in Military Affairs Gabrielle Bardall Assistant Professor, Université Sainte-Anne Kirsten Larson PhD researcher at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR), University of Galway Timi Idris PhD Student at Dalhousie University Cristina Jerez Fair-Trade Coffee Marketing Coordinator for Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala Ava Green Political Science Undergraduate Student at Dalhousie University Caroline Scott Masters Student at Dalhousie University Joseph Fitkowski International Youth Internship Program Alumnus Eliza MacLauchlan Restorative Justice Facilitator with the Government of PEI

As Atlantic Canadians, we have a unique opportunity during this federal election to advocate for Canada's continued leadership in international development. In a time of global uncertainty, our region's commitment to global health, economic growth, and humanitarian aid is more important than ever. Let's remind our candidates that Atlantic Canadians care about making a positive impact globally and call on our next government to champion these efforts. Standing Up for Global Cooperation Election 2025 As Atlantic Canadians, we have an important opportunity during this federal election to raise our voices on issues that matter to our region—like Canada’s continued leadership in international development. In a time of global uncertainty, our region's long-standing commitment to global health, economic growth, and humanitarian aid remains as important as ever. By supporting these initiatives, we not only contribute to a better world, but also strengthen our own communities through increased trade, security, and international partnerships. Let’s remind our candidates that Atlantic Canadians care deeply about making a positive global impact, and call on our next government to champion these efforts. Together, we can ensure that a better future starts with us. Call to Action: Join us in ensuring that Atlantic Canada continues to make a positive difference in the world. During this election, let candidates know that you support international development initiatives. Together, we can build a brighter future for all. The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) encourages all Atlantic Canadians to raise their voices in support of protecting Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding from potential cuts. By reaching out to candidates running in your riding and using our pre-built letter tool, you can easily express your commitment to global cooperation and aid. Additionally, we invite you to explore the resources available on our website to learn more about Canada's ODA funding and its impact. Not sure who's running in your riding? Find your candidates here. Resources & Action Cooperation Canada - Canadian International Assistance Fact Sheet The 2025 Canadian International Assistance fact sheet answers frequently asked questions concerning Canadian ODA. Learn More Cooperation Canada - Election 2025: An Open Letter to Leaders Cooperation Canada has sent an open letter to all party leaders emphasizing our members’ commitment to working with them and urging them to propose a clear and strategic vision for Canada’s global engagement. Read Here Results Canada - #ABetterWorld Campaign The 2025 federal election is in full swing. Now is the time for all our voices to be heard – whether you can vote or not – and to tell our local candidates that we want Canada’s next government to have a strong role in tackling the most pressing global challenges. A better world starts with Canada – with your voice. Learn More

The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation is a coalition of individuals, organizations and institutions working in the Atlantic region to build and model just, equitable and sustainable communities, locally and globally. Connecting & Strengthening Atlantic Canada’s Global Changemakers Explore Opportunities What We Do We are a coalition of individuals, organizations, and institutions working in the Atlantic region, committed to achieving peaceful, just and sustainable communities, locally and globally. Read our Strategic Plan Our Programs ACIC empowers individuals and organizations through international internships, youth programs, and membership support, fostering global citizenship and strengthening Atlantic Canada’s role in international cooperation. Membership Join a thriving community of changemakers! Access exclusive resources, funding, and collaboration opportunities to amplify your work. Internships Gain hands-on experience through funded international placements. Build your skills, expand your network, and make a global impact! Youth Explore global citizenship through leadership training, experiential learning, and cross-cultural exchange. Connect with peers and build skills for a more just world. Celebrating 50 years of impact! ACIC's 50th Anniversary ACIC has spent five decades fostering collaboration, learning, and action for global solidarity. As we mark this milestone, we reflect on our journey and look ahead to the future of international cooperation. Dive into our journey by exploring past reports and blog posts highlighting ACIC’s impact, reflections, and the evolving landscape of international cooperation. Visit our Blog Read ACIC's Reports 1/1 Get Involved Explore available internships, funding, and collaboration opportunities. Take the next step in your global engagement journey today! Safer Spaces 2026 Register by January 16. Join us for ACIC’s Safer Spaces Program 2026, a three-part learning series bringing together members and youth as global actors navigating systems shaped by colonialism, racism, and unequal power. PhotoVoices Partners 2026 Apply now! ACIC is looking for partners to help implement our 2026 PhotoVoices program! Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the international community use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore the Sustainable Development Goals, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. Global Citizenship Conference Leaders Application Apply by: July 3 2026 ACIC is currently seeking to fill five Conference Leader positions to join us for our Global Citizenship Youth Conference (July 10 - 13, 2026) Upcoming Events Stay connected with ACIC’s latest events, from workshops to networking sessions. Join us in building knowledge, connections, and action for a more just world. 4 days to the event Global Roundtable: International Reflections from Canadian Youth Sat, Jun 13 2901 Windsor St Learn More Register 9 days to the event Annual General Meeting 2026 Thu, Jun 18 Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute Learn More Register 9 days to the event Global Resistance, Local Actions Thu, Jun 18 Online via Zoom Learn More Register Events

Internships Program Associate (8 Weeks), Summer Internship (8 weeks) < Back Internships Program Associate (8 Weeks) Atlantic Council for International Cooperation Job Type Summer Internship (8 weeks) Location Halifax, NS (Hybrid) Salary 18.00/hour About the Role The IYIP Program Associate will work closely with the IYIP team, including ACIC & MI staff to support the smooth delivery of the IYIP program. The IYIP Program Associate will contribute to the implementation of the IYIP Program, including supporting logistics and administrative tasks, organizing and facilitating Pre-Departure training, and creating resources for the IYIP program. The IYIP Program Associate has a track record of youth-facing support work, strong discretion and discernment, working in international or intercultural contexts, and working in a collaborative environment. The IYIP Program Associate will bring knowledge and experience working with youth of diverse backgrounds, anti-oppressive practices, and cultural relativism and will bring a people-focussed and collaborative approach to their work. Personal or professional experience in one of ACIC’s program countries (Guatemala, The Gambia, Ghana, India, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Fiji) is considered an asset. The IYIP Program Associate will: Complete regular check-ins with current IYIP interns over Zoom, offering active listening, problem solving, and referrals to external resources. Liaise with local and international hosting partners regarding intern work plans, logistics, and travel requests. Support programming at Pre-Departure and Reintegration Training. Uphold due diligence and maintain risk management frameworks related to the health and safety of interns participating in the IYIP program. Support the preparation of internal and external narrative reports for funders. Upkeep information and administrative systems. Attend and contribute to weekly IYIP Team Meetings and ACIC staff meetings. Responding to general telephone and email inquiries Provide communications and storytelling support for the IYIP program, including creating (or supporting current interns in creating) website content and public-facing social media posts Support recruitment and outreach activities for future internship cohorts. Requirements Requirements: Post-secondary education in international development, social sciences, community development, education, youth work, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working with youth, students, volunteers, or program participants. Experience providing administrative and logistical support for projects, programs, events, or trainings. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-oppressive practice, and intercultural learning. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, and other online collaboration tools. Must be eligible for Canada Summer Jobs Assets: Experience working in intercultural environments. Knowledge of safeguarding, risk management, or participant support practices. Experience facilitating workshops, trainings, or group activities. Personal or professional experience in one of ACIC's program countries (Bangladesh, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, or Tanzania). Additional language skills beyond English. Experience with communications, social media, or content development. About the Organization Since 2002, the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) and the Marine Institute have offered internship positions through the International Youth Internship Program and the International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program. These internships provide youth with international development experience, skills, and knowledge to help better prepare them for future employment, while advancing Canadian development objectives. The current iteration of ACIC and the Marine Institute’s IYIP Program, called “Resilient Youth through Supported Inclusion toward Sustained Network Growth (RYSING), is currently in Year 2 of a five-year funding period (2024-2029) which will see 190 interns between the ages of 18 and 30 placed with international partners in 22 countries around the globe. Special priority is given to interns belonging to the following priority groups: Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, and to youth who have faced barriers to employment due to COVID. About RYSING: The Marine Institute and ACIC, along with MI partners and a consortium of ACIC members (all of whom have experience delivering transformative internship programs) collaboratively implement the RYSING International Internship Program. RYSING is currently in Year 2 of a five year funding period (and in Cohort 4 of seven anticipated cohorts). RYSING offers a variety of accessible, 16-week in-country career development placement opportunities. Knowledge transfer and skills training outcomes are based on reciprocal relationships between Canadian youth and local partner staff where each are considered stakeholders and agents of change. Internships incorporate virtual/hybrid pre-departure training and placement orientation, over a 6 week period. This allows for youth to begin engagement at a pace that fits within a part-time work schedule, and is adaptive to a variety of individual, community, and family circumstances. IYIP staff work with partners to meet individual interns' needs and address barriers to participation identified by youth during the recruitment phase, such as access to technology, peer support, and or appropriate spaces to engage in online work. Interns also take part in a 1-week intensive pre-departure training. This time will allow for building deeper connections, confidence and shared learning among peers, and give youth a sense of shared experience and strength. The connections youth gain as part of this type of group learning environment have shown to improve their well-being, commitment to program completion and continued engagement post-placement initiatives. Building on observed results from MI & ACIC Internships working with youth participants who face barriers to employment including Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth and racialized youth, ACIC and MI have gained significant insight into best practice for supporting equitable program access, as well as identifying and addressing systemic barriers to employment for youth post-placement. These lessons have informed our approach to prioritize pre-departure training and orientation topics, increase internship support systems while in-country - adapted to the specific needs of target groups, as well as a key program focus on mentorship, network growth and sustained engagement, training and career development support following in-country placement. To Apply Please submit your resume, cover letter, the names and contact information of three references and where you heard about the job posting, in ONE document, by e-mail to hiring@acic-caci.org by 4:00 pm AST on June 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis. Please ensure that you indicate the position title in your subject line. Thank you for applying. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted to arrange for an interview. Interviews will be conducted on June 16th, 2026. ACIC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring individuals who reflect the diversity of communities in Atlantic Canada. As such, we strongly encourage people with Indigenous ancestry and members of BIPOC communities to apply. Be sure to self-identify.

Membership Payments Please ensure you have received confirmation from ACIC prior to paying your annual membership dues. For an invoice/receipt, or to submit payment by cheque, please contact us at membership@acic-caci.org Membership Type Select an item (C$) * Organizational Membership - C$150 Student-led Organizational Membership - C$50 Associate Organizational Membership - C$75 Individual Membership - C$35 Student Membership - C$25 Member Details Name Name of individual / organizational member Email Phone Province Website/LinkedIn Go to Checkout Thanks for submitting!

ACIC's 50th Anniversary Travel through time with us as we follow ACIC’s journey from a regional committee to the organization as we know it today. 2025 ACIC in 2025 For 50 years, the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation has supported a diverse range of organizations across Atlantic Canada, advocated for our region on a national level, and created opportunities for youth to become confident leaders. We have persevered through operational obstacles, global uncertainty, and unpredictable levels of support. Through it all, we have maintained our goals of public engagement, advocacy, capacity-building, and youth empowerment. Though we have remained consistent during our time as an organization, we have also found places to grow. Justice, equity, and sustainability have always been core to our vision; we continue to learn and progress through intentionally incorporating decolonization, anti-racism, and intersectionality into our programs and operations. Thank you to all of our members, partners, and participants – you make us the organization we are today. We’re excited to continue and expand our work to help make Atlantic Canada, our country, and our world a more just, equitable, and sustainable place. Participants at ACIC’s 2025 Symposium in Halifax, From Aid To Action. We engage Atlantic Canadians in issues related to international development, global solidarity and social justice. Through our public engagement work, we aim to give Atlantic Canadians the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to become active global citizens. Our rich and vibrant coalition is united by a strong commitment to build a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Our work over the coming five years is focused on fostering just, equitable, and sustainable communities, both locally and globally. Guided by this vision for the present and the future, our core values will guide us in our relationships, planning, programs, and operations. Our strategic directions will be achieved alongside, and in service to our Communities of Focus and those centred in our work. 2025 LIFT Funded by GAC and run through the ICN, the LIFT program will support SMOs to scale their international development projects and strengthen their capacity to respond to the most pressing global challenges. Hosted by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, LIFT will help organizations strengthen capacity, deepen partnerships, and scale their global development work, supporting 150+ small and medium sized organizations across the country. Pictured here are the Executive Directors of Canada’s Councils for International Cooperation alongside Global Affairs Canada Staff. Featured Programs from Our History 2006-Present ACIC’S Youth Conferences The very first Move Your World Youth Conference is held in 2006. Over the years, Move Your World made way for the ACT 4 Global Change Youth Conference, and later the Global Citizenship Youth Conference, which ACIC continues to hold annually. Text Text Text Text 2025 ODA update At the end of Justin Trudeau’s 10-year term as Prime Minister, Canadian ODA is 0.34% of GNI, still far short of the UN goal of 0.7%. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. (Richard Drew/Associated Press) 2024 Leo Cheverie Award In memory of past ACIC board member Leo Cheverie, the first Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award is announced. The award recognizes community leaders who have made significant contributions to their local and global communities. The first award was presented at the 2025 symposium. Leo was a longtime advocate for fariness and equity, and played a significant role in helping shape ACIC into what we are today. The Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award honours individuals whose long-standing commitment to justice equity, and global solidarity has created lasting change, often behind the scenes. Featured Programs from Our History 2023-2028 IYIP with the Marine Institute ACIC partners with the Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador to deploy 190 interns to placements in 15 countries, prioritizing Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ participants. ACIC’s first cohort of the IYIP program consisted of 21 interns from across Canada, travelling to placements in Central America, the Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, and from home through our virtual placement. At the time of writing, ACIC is currently recruiting for our fourth cohort of interns. So far, 73 interns from across Canada have been able to participate in international internships, around halfway through the program. 2022 Anti-Racism Framework After our Safer Spaces Dialogue pilot in 2021, ACIC publishes our anti-racism framework. Pictured here are ACIC staff, board, and members participating in a Membership Anti-Racism Training in Tatamagouche, NS. 2022 COVID-19 pandemic The World Health Organization declares the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Between February 2020 and May 2023, Canada contributes $1.4 billion for humanitarian and development assistance for immediate pandemic responses. Nationally, NGOs like ACIC must halt their programming almost overnight and adapt to become fully virtual. In the international development field, issues relating to travel, reliable internet access, funding concerns, and exacerbated inequalities strongly impacts NGOs and their partners. The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty and major shifts to ACIC programs, from postponed travel to rapid digital pivots. Yet, in this time of disruption, our members and partners showed remarkable resilience and continued working towards shared goals in new was. ACIC programs were moved towards online or hybrid models, and our network adapted to engaging with communities in virtual spaces. Pictured above are the 2022 ACIC Symposium, Through the Looking Glass, and a 2022 Storytelling for Social Change workshop. Featured Programs from Our History 2022-Present Partnership Enhancement Fund The Partnership Enhancement Fund provides ACIC members the opportunity to invite their international partners to Atlantic Canada. Breaking the Silence is the fund’s current recipient, and LifeSchoolHouse, Venture 2 Impact, and The Cooper Institute have all used the fund to enhance relationships with partners across the globe. In 2025, ACIC funded Breaking the Silence through the Partnership Enhancement fund to bring two speakers, Maria Ines Cuj Chopen and Patrik Evelio Mucia Poz, to the Atlantic for the 2025 Symposium. Also funded by the Partnership Enhancement Fund, ACIC member organization Venture2Impact supported travel for Freddy Duque to join the ACIC 2023 Symposium in Charlottetown from Colombia. 2021-2023 Our Communities, Our Voices 24 young Indigenous leaders learned how to create meaningful change through social media. The participants partook in a series of workshops teaching them how to launch social media campaigns to raise awareness of social movements in Indigenous communities and engage them in the SDGs. “Indigenous people already make the connection of the interconnectedness of the SDGs. Its part of us, everything is energy and everything has life tot i. Everything is worthwhile.” Kailey Simon Our Communities, Our Voices Program Participant 2022 The 'Our Communities, Our Voices' program aimed to engage young Indigenous leaders to share stories, knowledge, and perspectives from their own Communities. Using the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for discussion, the team of Indigenous women and two-spirit folks gained skill, knowledge, and support systems for becoming advocates in their communities. Featured Programs from Our History 2020-Present PhotoVoices Projects Since 2020, ACIC has partnered with multiple organizations to create 5 photovoice projects with over 100 youth both regionally and internationally. PhotoVoices allows youth to tell stories through photos while also providing a place to learn about social justice. 2022-23 PhotoVoice participants in Nigeria, through ACIC’s partnership with the Mcrissar Foundation. Photo sumbitted during the 2024 PhotoVoices program from a participant in Atlantic Canada. Similar to past iterations, this year’s group covered Gender Inequality as the PhotoVoice theme. A submission from 2025’s Dream Africa PhotoVoices program. 2025’s cohort covered racial inequality as their PhotoVoices theme, in partnership with Connecting to Africa and Algo Peers. 2019 Youth Stream ACIC introduces the first Youth Stream to our annual symposium. ACIC’s Youth Stream program aims to provide opportunities to Canadian youth to participate in our symposium programming, without the burden of travel, accommodation, and other costs that would create barriers for youth participation. Youth representation is essential to ACIC’s work because young people bring fresh perspectives, lived experience, and bold ideas that strengthen how our sector approaches global solidarity. Pictured here are youth attendees at ACIC events like the ACIC symposium and Youth Gathering. 2019 Spur Change ICN starts Spur Change, a 7-year capacity-building and knowledge-sharing initiative that provides support for Canadian Small and Medium Organization in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development projects. The Spur Change program is led by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation in partnership with the other provincial and regional councils across Canada. Its activities are designed to strengthen the ability of small and medium-sized organizations to deliver sustainable, equity-driven results aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals; deepen the engagement of Canadians as informed and active global citizens; and support meaningful knowledge-sharing between Canadian SMOs and their partners around the world. Through its 7 years of programming, Spur Change has hosted workshops and trainings in Atlantic Canada, covering topics like Risk Management and Data Collection. Pictured here are Spur Trainings in Halifax Nova Scotia in 2025 and 2024. 2019 Hosting ICN ACIC begins our term as host for the Inter-Council Network. In 2019, the Inter-Council Network (ICN) transitioned its national coordination team to Halifax, with ACIC taking on the role of hosting the program. This move brought new momentum to the East Coast and strengthened collaboration across Canada, creating fresh opportunities for shared learning, sector coordination, and collective action in global solidarity. Above are photos of the Inter-Council Network’s Youth Delegation to AWID (Thailand) in 2024, and the Executive Directors of MCIC, ACIC, ACGC, and AQOCI alongside the Minister for International Development, Ahmed Hussen. 2019 Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT) FIT is designed to support Canadian SMOs testing innovative solutions that advance gender equality in the Global South. The program seeks to foster collective learning and capacity-building through the creation of knowledge-sharing spaces and practices. The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security from Dalhousie University tested a comprehensive prevention program to protect children from being recruited and used as soldiers, with a focus on conflict related sexual violence in Juba, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan. Coady International Institute tested tools with women farmers to identify capacity building needs, such as accessing new technologies, credit, infrastructure, markets, financial and business planning/management in the Nyando Valley (Kenya) and in two districts of Gujarat State in India. Featured programs from our history 2018-2023 International Internships for Indigenous Youth Co-implemented by ACIC and the Northern Council for Global Cooperation, the International Internships for Indigenous Youth program provided placements for 99 youth with organizations in 7 countries in the Global South. The program was adapted to provide virtual alternatives for 55 virtual interns during the COVID-19 pandemic. IIIY Interns in 2018-19 in Kenya. This cohort of interns travelled to placements in Costa Rica, Guyana, Nepal, Cambodia, and Kenya. 2017 A “Feminist Foreign Policy” The federal government announces its new Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to “reduce extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.” Image from Global Affairs Canada. 2016 ICN SMO Report The ICN publishes “Small and Medium-Sized Canadian Civil Society Organizations as Development Actors”, a report that presents evidence of SMOs’ competencies and values in the international development sector. It also discusses the negative impact that CIDA’s change to an exclusive call-for-proposal funding model had on SMOs. 2016 ODA update Canada’s net ODA is 0.26% of GNI. The paper develops a profile of Canadian SMOs involved in development cooperation, examines the impact of changing funding modalities on SMOs from 2010 to 2016, and outlines the characteristics of SMOs as development actors. The report is available at this link. Featured Programs from Our History 2002-Present International Youth Internship Program 2002 marked the first time ACIC received funding for the International Youth Internships Program! 4 youth participated in the first year. By the end of 2025, ACIC will have supported nearly 300 interns working in over 25 countries through our internship programs. Former ACIC intern, Andrea Germann in Jamaica in 2002. ACIC IYIP Interns in Tanzania in October 2025. ACIC’s first cohort of IYIP Interns in Tatamagouche in early October 2002. 2024 IYIP Interns in Tatamagouche before heading to their international placements. 2015 New global agreements The federal government announces its new Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to “reduce extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.” 2015 Trudeau’s changes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau renames DFATD to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and states that “Canada is back.” 2014 Engage, Strengthen, Connect ACIC establishes objectives to increase Atlantic Canadians’ awareness of key global issues and engagement in international cooperation; strengthen and build capacity for increased effectiveness; and facilitate better knowledge-sharing among ACIC members and other stakeholders. ACIC’s 2014 Strategic Plan shaped our strategic directions by focusing on three main pillars; To increase Atlantic Canadians' awareness of key global issues and engagement in international cooperation; to strengthen and build capacity for increased effectiveness; and to facilitate better knowledge sharing among ACIC members and other stakeholders. Pictured above are the ACIC Board of Directors and Staff teams in 2013 and 2015. Featured Programs from Our History 2014-Present Members’ Public Engagement Fund The Members’ Public Engagement Fund provides financial support to ACIC members for small public engagement projects. It emerged out of the previous Members’ Collaboration Fund, and has funded projects such as film screenings, conferences, workshops, and more. Text Text 2013 CIDA → DFATD CIDA is amalgamated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to create DFATD: the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development. This development reduces traditional mechanisms for civil engagement, and NGOs “are expected to compete in calls for proposals and act as contractors to implement the government’s priorities.” Featured Programs from Our History 2006-2011 First Voices: Connecting Aboriginal Youth in the North and South Over 5 years, First Voices brought together 24 Indigenous youth from Atlantic Canada, Guatemala, Chile, Honduras, Botswana, and the Philippines to create confident global citizens through a variety of art forms. Text Text Text 2009 Shirley Case Leadership Award Founded ACIC founds the Shirley Case Leadership Award in Global Citizenship in honour of Shirley Case, a former ACIC intern who was killed in Afghanistan while working with the International Rescue Committee. The award is presented annually to an individual or group in Atlantic Canada who has demonstrated the spirit of global citizenship and helped create a more just and sustainable world through engaging in meaningful global citizenship activities. Burris Devanney, winner of the 2016 Shirley Case Leadership Award for Global Citizenship at ACIC’s 2016 Symposium Gala. Shirley worked with ACIC as an intern in 2004-05, spending four months with us in Halifax before travelling to work with our partner organization, the NGO Coalition for the Environment (NGOCE) in Calabar, Nigeria for five months. Irene Novaczek, winner of the Shirley Case Leadership Award for Global Citizenship 2014, with previous winners Jackie McVicar, Joan Campbell, and Marian White. Stories From Across the Decades "Text." Bill Chislett International Development Specialist, MI International 2006-2015 Tying New Knots Under the Harper government, international aid is “untied” in name, but not in practice. Minister for International Cooperation Julian Fantino states that “foreign aid should benefit Canadian companies,” as demonstrated by partnerships between INGOs and Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries. Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses the UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals in New York on Sept. 21, 2010. PAUL CHIASSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS 2006 Inter-Council Network The Inter-Council Network is formed to “create a national space for regional voices, to demonstrate our leadership in public engagement and to undertake cross country initiatives and programs." Featured Programs from Our History 2006 Both Sides of the Coin Microcredit Project ACIC organized a research project, workshops, and speakers tour on the topic of microcredit in Atlantic Canada and overseas. We organized two sessions at the Global Microcredit Summit, including a “Listening to the Borrowers” session which marked the first time microcredit borrowers had attended the summit. Text Text 2005 New Strategic Priorities ACIC’s new strategic plan brings with it new priorities: act as a forum for policy dialogue, create capacity-building opportunities, coordinate public engagement efforts, and strengthen our ability to function effectively. Text Text Featured programs from our history 2003-2004 NGO Coalition for the Environment ACIC worked with the NGOCE, a consortium of Canadian and Nigerian organizations working together to promote sustainability and protect the environment in Nigeria, to develop workshops on participatory monitoring and evaluation, policy development, and coalition building, as well as assisting in the creation of a communications plan. Text 2004 Relocation A growing ACIC moves our office from interim host Falls Brook Centre to Halifax. Text Text Featured Programs from Our History 2003 Travelling Wisely Workshops ACIC held workshops on Culturally and Environmentally Appropriate Travel and Tourism (CEATT). ACIC members created the workshop materials for over 180 participants across the Atlantic provinces. As tourism became the world’s largest industry in the early 2000s, ACIC partnered with the Fredericton YMCA (NB), Rising Tide Cooperative (NS), CUSO PEI (PE), Extension Community Development Cooperative (NL), and the Falls Brook Centre (NB) to host workshops on responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The first year of the Traveling Wisely project drew on the experiences of ACIC member groups working in tourism development in Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Chile, and the Phillipines. The Traveling Wisely project directly engaged travel agents, tourism students, travel and toruism representatives, and the general public through workshops and one-on-one interviews. 200 A New Vision ACIC creates a three-year strategic plan, with objectives to engage the public on international issues; build relationships regionally, nationally, and globally; facilitate culturally and environmentally appropriate travel and tourism; represent Atlantic Canada on a national scale; and diversify our funding base. As of August 2001, ACIC already has 28 members. Text ACIC’s Board of Directors in 2002. 2001 Expansion and reduction CIDA announces offices in St. John’s and Halifax, with a regional headquarters in Moncton. Nearing the end of the Chretien government, ODA has decreased to 0.22% of GNI. ACIC coordinator Sarah Shima and the Honourable Maria Minna, Minister for International Cooperation at the announcement for CIDA’s new regional office in Moncton 2000 Reassembly In April 2000, a meeting at the Coady Institute in Antigonish culminates with the reassembly of ACIC! The Falls Brook Centre, an established NGO, offers to host ACIC at a temporary base. An interim council is named and ACIC receives CIDA funding from a public engagement fund for a series of regional deliberations on climate change. 2000 MDGs The United Nations announce the Millennium Development Goals, 8 goals to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. The Millennium Development Goals set a shared global agenda for 2000 to 2015, mobilizing governments, civil society, and international partners around concrete targets to improve human well-being. While progress varied across regions, the MDGs helped reduce extreme poverty, expand access to education, and improve health outcomes worldwide, ultimately paving the way for the broader and more inclusive Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015. Climate Change Public Deliberation Project 2000-2002 Climate Change Public Deliberation Project ACIC started our return with a series of CIDA-funded public deliberations on climate change in all four of the Atlantic provinces. Participants learned about climate change and policy options regionally, nationally, and internationally. Michael Warren, who moderated dialogues in the Halifax area said “Overwhelmingly, the consensus was that better public education efforts are necessary for people to grasp the importance of this issue... Participants articulated a strong faith in fellow citizens to adapt in the face of encroaching crisis” Taking the analysis from the first year of deliberations, ACIC hsoted a two-day climate change conference in Saint-Joseph, NB titled Global Climate, Community Reslience, and Responses from Atlantic Canada, which was attended by over 40 participants. In total, more than 20 deliberations were held in Atlantic Canada with more than 250 participants attending and contributing their ideas on climate change. 1995 Dormancy Due to CIDA cuts, ACIC’s office in Moncton is forced to close. A new board is elected, but without funding, the organization goes dormant. 1995 A cutting blow CIDA’s funding is cut again, ending their delegated funds “as well as the majority of the domestic public education programs in Canada's international development sector.” 1994 Becoming the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation In March 1994, ACIC is legally incorporated under New Brunswick legislation! With an office in Moncton, an 8-member board, and a paid coordinator, ACIC focuses on building membership, networking, and training workshops for dealing with organizational change. 1993 ARC Expanding A feasibility study finds that there is an opportunity, a need, and a desire for a Regional Council in the Atlantic provinces. 1993 Further cuts and tied aid Under newly-elected Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, major cuts hit the international development sector. CIDA’s Public Participation Program is abolished. In 1995, funding to the sub-Saharan Africa program is slashed by 20.5% over three years. Canada adopts a “tied aid” approach — international aid that requires the recipient country to procure goods or services from the donor. Text 1992 NAC abolished The 1992 budget eliminates the National Action Committee on Development Education. Text 1991 IDW The first International Development Week is celebrated across Canada. International Development Week (IDW) was launched in Canada in 1991 to highlight global cooperation and celebrate the contributions of Canadians working toward poverty reduction, human rights, and sustainable development. Since its inception, IDW has served as a national moment to reflect on our shared responsibilities, amplify global solidarity efforts, and inspire Canadians to take action for a more just and equitable world. Featured programs from our history 1970s to early 1990s Unionization and union support Early ARC members were involved in unemployment issues and unionization drives with groups like the United Rubber Workers and Canadian Auto Workers. Into the 1990s, the ARC supported projects with Maritimes Fishermen’s Union, the National Farmer’s Union, and more. 1989 A changing world The 1989 Canadian federal budget cuts CIDA funding by 13%. In the wake of the Cold War, donor countries like Canada adopt neoliberal approaches to development aid. Text mid-1980s CIDA’s reach In the mid-1980s, CIDA supports over 2400 projects led by 200 organizations, including CCIC and the ARC. Featured Programs from Our History 1977–1979 People’s Food Commission In a time when food prices soared and production declined, the ARC joined this nationwide initiative bringing together farmers, consumers, and food processing workers in a comprehensive inquiry into the food system. Their final report, “The Land of Milk and Money,” became the base for the People’s Food Policy by Food Secure Canada. Text Text 1980s Period of Outreach Before the professionalization of NGO work, development activism and education expands during the 1980s. ARC projects during this time focused on the local and connecting it to the global scale. Prevailing issues concerned regional agriculture, mining, fishery, and union issues. The ARC’s only source of income was an annual grant from CCIC, typically $20,000 (approximately $52,000 in today’s currency). Featured programs from our history 1976 St. John’s Mummers Troupe Named after a quote from a Newfoundland fisherman to an international development presenter, “What’s That Got to Do with the Price of Fish?” was a touring theatrical production about the struggle of local fishermen under federal fisheries policy. 1975-1976 Canadian international aid peaks at 0.53% GNI The recommended target from the United Nations is 0.7%, established in 1970. Featured programs from our history 1970s & 1980s Supporting liberation through performance During liberation wars in southern Africa and Central America, the ARC organized a series of events in the region to create international understanding. These events included political speakers, musicians, playwrights, and poets. 1975 CCIC establishes the Atlantic Regional Committee CCIC forms their Atlantic Regional Committee (ARC), the original ACIC, from a group of community animators across the region who saw regional social change organizations’ need for support. Staffing was contractual and there was no office, but the representative members were able to use a Small Projects Fund as grants for regional projects. Featured programs from our history 1970s Mulgrave Road Theatre Co-op Mulgrave Road Theatre is a progressive theatre project based out of Guysborough, Nova Scotia. The ARC also supported other theatre and arts projects, such as a travelling show based on the Baie Verte mine’s Steelworkers Union in Newfoundland. Text 1968 Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) is founded CCIC was created to "foster good practice among civil society organizations working to reduce global poverty.” 1968 Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is founded CIDA funded international development assistance projects, both directly and through NGOs like CCIC.

Organizational Members Learn more about our organizational members. To join ACIC as an organizational member, apply here. Read the benefits of joining ACIC membership here. Aga Khan Foundation Canada Newfoundland and Labrador AKFC partners with Canadians and communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to build better futures together. Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, we help build strong, healthy, and inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Next Ampersand Collaborations Perluete New Brunswick Ampersand Collaborations Perluète, based in New Brunswick, is a creative incubator for social, cultural, and policy innovation. Through collaborative arts and community development programming, they work across sectors and borders, engaging professionals and emerging voices alike. With a presence on five continents, their work is rooted in non-partisan service, learning, and responsive collaboration, guided by the principle: “we go where we are called.” We are Ampersand. The ampersand (&) is a stand alone character whose purpose is to connect. It is a symbol for “and per se, and”. Unlike most letters, its single use carries a meaning all on its own; however, its purpose is lost without being used to bring things together. Such is the mission of Ampersand Collaborations Perluète. To bring together elements that are better for their union; and, to capture evocative narrative and imagery to rigorously convey these interventions. To this end, the organization’s mandate is to service non-partisan interdisciplinary collaboration that address complex social problems and interpret their impact. Next Apex Language and Career College Nova Scotia Apex Language and Career College (ALCC) is a Halifax-based institution with over 25 years of experience supporting international students and newcomers to Canada. Committed to inclusive education, ALCC helps individuals build language skills, adapt to Canadian culture, and succeed in a globalized world. Next Black Business and Professional Network NB New Brunswick BBPN Inc. is a community of black businesses and professionals in New Brunswick. BBPN aims to find, develop, provide opportunities, and guide the black talent pool to excel in New Brunswick. In pursuing a better future for black people, BBPN consciously seeks to transform various challenges and obstacles into opportunities. Next Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala Solidarity Network Nova Scotia The Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) is a voluntary network of people in the Maritimes who began to organize in 1988 to support the efforts of Guatemalans struggling for political, social, and economic justice. Next Coady International Institute Nova Scotia Established in 1959 by St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), Coady Institute is committed to accompanying generations of global leaders skilled in the application of citizen-led, asset-based, and community-driven leadership for economic and social change. In collaboration with partners in Canada and across the globe, the Institute is committed to reducing poverty and transforming societies by strengthening local economies, by building resilient communities, and by promoting social accountability and good governance. Coady Institute is committed to breaking down and transforming the North-South divide by bringing people together to exchange innovations and learn from each other. Through relevant adult education programs, effective partnerships, and applicable research, Coady Institute is equipping community leaders and their organizations with the knowledge and practical tools needed to bring about the change they want for themselves. Next Community Forests International New Brunswick Community Forests International works in Canada and Zanzibar to protect and restore forests, help communities adapt to climate change, build economic prosperity, and champion social equality. Community Forests International is committed more than ever to centring not only forests but also climate justice in their vision, mission, and actions — understanding that by acting with justice people will be the restorative force that the world needs. Next Connecting to Africa Nova Scotia Connecting to Africa aims to facilitate opportunities for Nova Scotian groups and organizations of African descent to engage in partnerships with groups and organizations in Africa. The organization aims to engage in Africa’s development means to assist in the transformation and expansion of capacities for Nova Scotians of African descent, as well as Africans on the continent. Next Cooper Institute Prince Edward Island Cooper Institute is an education and community development centre in the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada. The main program areas of the Cooper Institute are livable income for all, food sovereignty, democracy, diversity and inclusion, protection of land and water, and improving lives of migrant workers in the province. Within these programs, they conduct research and popular education projects on provincial, national, and international level. Next Dalhousie University, Government and Global Relations Nova Scotia Next Dalhousie, Faculty of Agriculture International Office Nova Scotia Founded in 1905, Dalhousie's Agricultural Campus has come of age and stands at the threshold of a new era in agricultural education, training and research. The Faculty of Agriculture is a Canadian agricultural college and faculty of Dalhousie University located in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia and offers the only university level programs in agriculture in Atlantic Canada. Next Dalhousie, International Development Studies (IDS) Department Nova Scotia Dalhousie's IDS department is one of top development studies programs in Canada and train people to be active, engaged and informed citizens. Next Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security Nova Scotia The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security is an institute at Dalhousie University that works to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers in armed violence and transform the cycles of violence. General Dallaire founded the Child Soldiers Initiative in 2007 and Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, provided a home to the initiative in 2010. Since those early days, the organization has evolved extensively from a training development initiative to one that has applied research and learning that guides operational concepts and, at its core, contributes to a key gap in the peace and security architecture. In 2020, the Initiative became the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security, an international repository of expertise, research and advocacy to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed violence. Next Ecology Action Centre Nova Scotia The Ecology Action Centre is a member-based environmental charity in Nova Scotia. Since 1971, they've taken leadership on critical environmental issues from biodiversity protection to climate change to environmental justice. The Ecology Action Centre acts as watchdog, convener, mobilizer and incubator, and engages community to create systemic change in the face of urgent, complex environmental issues. Next Farmers Helping Farmers Prince Edward Island Initially called the International Family Farm Exchange Association, this registered charity is now simply known as Farmers Helping Farmers. Working with their partners in Kenya, they have carried out several hundred development projects, worth more than $10 million Canadian, including funds contributed by CIDA. These projects are estimated to have touched the lives of at least 100,000 people and they're still going strong after more than 35 years. Next International Sustainable Community Assistance Prince Edward Island ISCA-AIDC creates opportunities for communities in need by helping them build sustainable agriculture systems. In its work, ISCA-AIDC strives to adhere to the values of right of self determination, dignity of individual, mutual respect, fairness, participatory process, project sustainability, sustainability and cooperative approaches. Next Latin American Mission Program Prince Edward Island The Latin American Mission Program began in 1967 in response to the Second Vatican Council call to share church personnel with developing countries, especially Latin America. Latin America Mission Program offers a challenging, first-hand experience on how most of the world’s population live. LAMP welcomes youth (or those young at heart) to participate in the Dominican Republic Faith & Justice Experience. Next Lunch in the Woods Consulting Nova Scotia Lunch In the Woods Consulting’s mission is to inspire and empower Canadians to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for their local and global communities. At Lunch in the Woods, they aim to inspire and empower Canadians to embrace mindfulness, engage in Truth, Reconciliation and Agenda 2030, foster global communities and be proactive global citizens. They aim to create communities filled with laughter, joy, peace, and deep connections while supporting individuals to contribute to this sense of inter connectedness. Their clients actively contribute to the SDGs and Agenda 2030, creating a world of social justice, environmental sustainability, and meaningful relationships. Next Marine Institute International Newfoundland and Labrador As a campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Fisheries and Marine Institute is Canada’s most comprehensive centre for education, training, applied research and industrial support for the ocean industries. Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, they are one of the most respected centres of marine learning and applied research in the world. The Marine Institute provides more than 30 industry-driven programs ranging from technical certificates to PhDs. Next Memorial University, Internationalization Office Newfoundland and Labrador Memorial University is committed to internationalization, international co-operation, studentmobility and cultural sensitivity. They welcome international visitors and strive to collaborate with educational institutions, businesses, governments, foundations, benefactors and alumni around the world in order to enrich research and teaching, and to ensure they offer outstanding programs for faculty and students. Next Mount Allison University New Brunswick Mount Allison has been ranked Canada’s #1 undergraduate university by Maclean’s magazine more times than any other university. The University offers a flexible liberal arts and sciences education that prepares students for any career path and to enter into professional and graduate programs. Mount Allison prides itself on providing a high-quality academic experience, combined with a variety of hands-on learning opportunities in a close-knit community. The University has been ranked the top undergraduate university in Canada by Maclean’s magazine’s annual University Rankings more times than any other university. Mount Allison prides itself on providing a high-quality academic experience through degrees, programs, and certificates. A high percentage of Mount Allison’s graduating students move on to graduate programs or professional schools such as law and medicine. Next NL Eats Community Outreach Inc., Newfoundland Newfoundland and Labrador NL Eats’ mission is to help families in need throughout the St. John’s Metro Area by providing them with hampers of food and essentials. NL Eats also focused on educating community members, especially about topics related to food insecurity. NL Eats’ dedicated team of over 85 volunteers has assisted more than 1300 families thus far. Next North Star Skills for Development Nova Scotia The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. Next Pure Gold Foundation New Brunswick Pure Gold Foundation works to empower and equip young people to develop positive values, have a growth mindset, and become well-grounded in their identity through transformative training. The organization envisions a future where young individuals confidently embrace their true potential, contributing positively to society while embracing their diverse backgrounds and identities. Next Saint Mary's University, Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office Nova Scotia Saint Mary's University's Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office provides students the opportunity to round out their education with hands-on experience and international connections by studying abroad. They are committed to ensuring an equitable opportunity in their study abroad programs and providing high-quality international learning experiences for students of all abilities and backgrounds. Next Tatamagouche Centre Nova Scotia Tatamagouche Centre is a non-profit educational, conference and retreat centre located in the village of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Tatamagouche Centre holds international recognition for its adult education and facilitation training and programming. Next University of New Brunswick - School of Leadership Studies (Renaissance College) New Brunswick Founded in 2000, Renaissance College is UNB’s School of Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies and the first initiative of its kind in Canada. It remains at the forefront of leadership education in the country. They combine innovative teaching methods, rigorous academic content and experiential learning opportunities in small classes that together create a unique educational experience. Next University of Prince Edward Island - Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island's Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture program explicitly connects the communication skills and leadership training of a liberal arts education to successful post- graduation employment. This degree program is defined by its focus on the transferability of the written, oral and visual communication skills, the critical thinking, and the cultural awareness acquired during a liberal arts education to the world beyond academia. Technical skills, work-integrated learning (internships, cooperatives, workplace-generated projects), and career-related mentoring are key components of its design. Next Venture2impact Nova Scotia Venture 2 Impact uses human centered design and design thinking to approach complex challenges and work with global communities to increase digital resilience and advance gender equity, education, economic opportunity, and well-being for all. Next WUSC (World University Service of Canada) Nova Scotia WUSC is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. We bring together a diverse network of students, volunteers, schools, governments, and businesses who share this vision. Together, we foster youth-centered solutions for improved education, economic, and empowerment opportunities to overcome inequality and exclusion in over 15 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Next Wisdom2Action Consulting Limited Nova Scotia Wisdom2Action (W2A) is a social enterprise and consulting firm specializing in community engagement, creative facilitation, research and evaluation, knowledge mobilization and equity, diversity and inclusion. Wisdom2Action incorporated as a business with a social enterprise commitment in 2019, building on their legacy as a national knowledge mobilization network, founded in 2013, supporting youth serving organizations across Canada. Next Youth Art Connection Nova Scotia YAC supports and trains youth from marginalized backgrounds to use their artistic skills to develop personal economic development skills (business, careers, personal money management), diversifies the local economy (supporting youth from diverse backgrounds including immigrants and refugees to participate in the work force), as well as social end community engagement through focused social impact projects, or integrating artistic skillsets into larger projects or organizations focused on development. While YAC focusses on meeting youth ‘where they are at’; locally, their goal, as the name states, is to CONNECT them to provincial, national and international opportunities. Next

ACIC Symposium 2023 Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health and Well-Being For All October 27-28, 2023 Hybrid: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island & Virtual Register Here Keynote Address By Rabi Adamu Musa Founder / CEO, Mcrissar Foundation for Women and Girls Nigeria Rabi Adamu Musa is the Founder/CEO, Mcrissar Foundation for Women and Girls Nigeria. Co-Founder , African young women advancement initiative. She started her career in the development sector with Riders for Health international. For over 10years, she has been working closely with Government and Civil Society in Nigeria and abroad. She has been advocating for young women meaningful participation in politics and governance and ensuring full access to menstrual kits for girls between the ages of 12-16 in High school in Northern Nigeria. She has a degree in Civil law from the University of Jos, a Barrister at law Certificate, from the Nigerian Law School and a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Connecticut, USA. She is also a Coady Grad with certificate in Advancing Women's Leadership in Conflict Transformation, Peacebuilding and Community Development, Resources and tools for working with young women leaders and Feminist Leadership for justice , equity and ecology ( St Francis Xavier University Antigonish, NS Canada) She is the 2021 recipient of Katherine Fleming international development award (An award given each year to an African woman who demonstrates commitment to her community) from Canada. She served as the Special Assistant Legal Matters to the Executive Governor of kaduna State, Nigeria from 2019-2021. She is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association. She has a passion for women and children, especially the girl-child. For the past 10years, she has been making meaningful contributions in marginalized communities in Nigeria , especially within southern Kaduna. About Mcrissar Foundation ACIC Symposium ‘Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health and Well-Being for All’ will explore the web of factors that shape our society, and the role money and resources play in both creating disparities and elevating poverty in the world. The Symposium will delve into the complex dynamics of how individuals and organizations can fund change, while championing equity, and exploring the global and local shifts necessary to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. With health being top of mind for individuals, communities and countries, the Symposium will, through a Social Determinants of Health Framework, and with an intersectional lens, explore the non-medical underlying social, economic, and environmental conditions that impact individual and community health and well-being. It will explore youth, Indigenous communities, and local and global perspectives to sustainability and change as we understand the recent acute economic disparities around the world, and its impact on community health. The Symposium will also highlight what Atlantic Canadians are doing to counter this and champion change in their communities. At ACIC Symposium 2023, we will explore the cost of change under three sub-themes. International Cooperation and the Cost of Power: Delving into the relation between power, money and resources within the international cooperation sector, the Symposium will explore the ramifications of decreasing overseas development assistance. It will examine the effects of political agendas and capitalist priorities driving economic agendas, the importance of localisation for long term change, and the different streams and avenues of funding accessed and available for organizations, communities, and individuals to affect change Climate Change and the Cost of Action: In the face of climate change and recognizing its detrimental effect on social and environmental determinants of health, it will also examine sustainability, and the rhetoric around climate action being an expensive choice. It will critically assess the interplay between urgent needs in the face of climate change, and capitalism-driven fossil-fuel dependent economic growth which is further exacerbating its effect. Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation: The Symposium will also aim to understand and discuss the impact of extractive labour and capital exploitation practises around the world. Using decent work for all as foundation, it will discuss global labour issues focusing on migrant workers, the impact of gendered labour movements, the disparity between minimum and living wage. Theme Statement Schedule Day 1: Friday, October 27 Day 2: Saturday, October 28 09:00 to 09:30 Opening Address by Elder Judy 09:30 to 10:30 | Available Online Keynote Address by Rabi Adamu Musa, Founder/CEO, Mcrissar Foundation for Women and Girls Nigeria 10:30 to 11:00 Coffee and Networking Break 11:00 to 12:15 | Available Online Panel 1: Cost of Power and International Cooperation 12:15 to 1:15 PM Lunch 1:15 to 2:30 PM | Workshop 1 | Available Online Bahar Haghighat: Rethinking Health and Well-being - A Social Justice Approach to Understanding Weight and Weight-Stigma 1:15 to 2:30 PM | Workshop 2 Julia Furvosa: Community Engagement for Systems Change - Shifting from Conventional to Transformative Practice 1:15 to 2:30 PM | Workshop 3 Olivia Allen: Water and Climate Change 2:30 to 3:45 PM | Available Online Panel 2: Cost of Action and Climate Change 09:30 to 10:45 | Available Online Panel 3: Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation 10:45 to 11:00 Coffee and Networking Break 11:00 to 12:15 PM | Workshop 1 David MacKay: A Common Sense Majority World Agriculture Development Model 11:00 to 12:15 PM | Workshop 2 Trish Altass & Lynne Lund: The Power of Planning for Community Impact Panels and Workshops Fri. Oct 27, 11:00 AM Panel, Available Online International Cooperation and the Cost of Power This panel will examine the effects of political agendas and capitalist priorities driving economic agendas, and the different streams and avenues of funding accessed and available for organizations, communities, and individuals to affect change. Panelists will discuss the ramifications of decreasing overseas development assistance and explore avenues for funding advocacy. Fri. Oct 27, 1:15 PM Workshop, Available Online Rethinking Health and Well-being - A Social Justice Approach to Understanding Weight and Weight-Stigma This session will unravel the intricate relations between social determinants of health and bodyweight. Through a social justice lens, participants will discuss the systemic factors that contribute to weight variations and advocacy work for a more equitable and holistic understanding of health and well-being. Fri. Oct 27, 2:30 PM Panel, Available Online Climate Change and the Cost of Action This panel will discuss the detrimental effect of climate change on social and environmental determinants of health, sustainability models, and the rhetoric around climate action being an expensive choice. Panelists will discuss their work towards climate solutions in their contexts, including land-based perspectives on health, development of solidarity economy enterprises, and facilitating access to data for climate adaptation. Sat. Oct 28, 11:00 AM Workshop The Power of Planning for Community Impact This workshop bridges the gap between the pressing issues at hand and the solutions we want implemented. Time is a precious resource, and by planning for impact you're ensuring that all the effort put in has the best chance of leading to tangible outcomes.This workshop is tailored for individuals and teams who are passionate about driving meaningful change and want to maximize the impact of their efforts. Fri. Oct 27, 1:15 PM Workshop Water and Climate Change This workshop will explore current challenges in water conservation and connections to climate change. Participants will learn about climate solutions, and adaptations including finance reform, natural coastal storm defense, and climate justice work happening in Atlantic Canada. Fri. Oct 27, 1:15 PM Workshop Community Engagement for Systems Change - Shifting from Conventional to Transformative Practice This workshop engages participants in critical examination of community engagement practices among public and non-profit organizations. Focusing on volunteer participation in community-based projects, the workshop draws on the results of participatory action research. Informed by an intersectonal feminist lens, the research examined gendered and under- resourced nature of the non-profit community development work. Sat. Oct 28, 9:30 AM Panel, Available Online Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation This panel will discuss the impact of extractive labour and capital exploitation practises around the world. Panelists will examine global labour issues focusing on migrant workers, the impact of gendered labour movements, and the disparity between minimum and living wage, considering these issues through the lens of decent work for all. Sat. Oct 28, 11:00 AM Workshop A Common Sense Majority World Agriculture Development Model This workshop will focus on the learnings from International Sustainable Community Assitance Organization's agricultural intitiatves in Haiti. In addition, it will explore how aid programs have undercut Haiti's food production, and how resulting poverty has indirectly increased the severity of climate change. Panelists and Moderators Speaker Decent Work and the Cost of Power Carolina Domenica Scientific Manager, Amazon Innovation Center Carolina Domenico, from Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a biologist with a master's degree in Tropical Agriculture. She started her experience at the Botanical Garden of the Agronomic Institute of Campinas and continued this journey as an R&D intern at Natura. She is currently working on her postgraduate on socio-environmental business at the IPÊ (Ecological Research Institute). She has over 15 years experience in research, first as an intern, researcher and is currently the Scientific Manager of the Amazon Innovation Center. She works directly with the research of new Bioingredients; sustainable use of plant resources; structuring of sociobiodiversity suply chains; technologies applied to forest bioeconomy; and more recently to the issue of productive forests. In her free time, she has fun with her kids, with jeep expeditions, and experiencing living in the north of Brazil. Moderator Climate Change and the Cost of Action Choyce Chappell PEI Provincial Coordinator, ACIC Choyce Chappell is the current ACIC Provincial Coordinator for Prince Edward Island. Though she was born in Nova Scotia, Choyce has now spent most of her life in rural PEI with her parents and grandmother. Choyce holds a Bachelors of Environmental Studies from the University of Prince Edward Island, and returned to UPEI to receive a Masters of Environmental Sciences in May this year. Her thesis focused on designing an app for extreme weather preparation, response, and recovery on PEI, which she feels has only become more relevant after Hurricane Fiona. Working in the nonprofit sector is Choyce’s way of continuing to dedicate herself to community. Speaker Climate Change and the Cost of Action Fredy Duqes IPARD Program Assistant - Business Partnerships and Indigenous Economies, FSC Indigenous Foundation Fredy has worked for 20 years with public sector entities and international cooperation agencies in projects related to food security, infrastructure and territorial development. His areas of expertise and experience include strengthening value chains in the agricultural and forestry sector, development of solidarity economy enterprises, construction of community infrastructure and strategic planning for rural development. Fredy is an economist from the National University of Colombia and holds a master’s degree in development practice from the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) in Costa Rica. He is a fellow of the Japan-World Bank Joint Program (JJWBGSP). Speaker Decent Work and the Cost of Power Gabriel Allahdua Organizer, Justicia for Migrant Workers; Outreach Worker, The Neighbourhood Organization Originally from St. Lucia, Gabriel Allahdua worked as a migrant farm worker in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program for four years, from 2012 to 2015, before leaving the program to seek permanent residency in Canada. Now a leading voice in the migrant justice movement, Allahdua is an organizer with Justicia for Migrant Workers and an outreach worker with The Neighbourhood Organization, providing services to migrant workers across southwestern Ontario. He lives in Toronto with his two adult children and his grandson. Speaker Climate Change and the Cost of Action Janelle Frail Engagement & Operations Manager, CLIMAtlantic With a science degree in Environmental Studies and experience in adult education, Janelle is currently working as the Engagement and Operations Manager with CLIMAtlantic. Her past work involved 10 years working with international cooperation organizations throughout the Atlantic with ACIC. She's also a long time volunteer with the Breaking the Silence Maritimes Guatemala Solidarity Network. Speaker International Development and the Cost of Power Jennifer Murogocho Member of the Meru County Assembly Jennifer Makena Murogocho brings decades of leadership and community service to the goal of bettering the lives of the people of Meru County, Kenya. She has served on and chaired community boards in both the health and education sectors and is the patron of the Muchui and Marigati women’s self-help groups. Following a career in the financial sector and operation of a successful farm and businesses, Jennifer was appointed as Elections Coordinator of the newly established Meru County. She subsequently won elected office as the Member of the County Assembly in 2013 and again in 2022, and is currently chairing the County’s Youth, Gender and Community Development and its Potato Stakeholders Forum. Since 2000, Farmers Helping Farmers PEI has been fortunate to have Jennifer’s friendship and support in shared work to build food security and empower women in Meru County. Throughout that time, serving mostly in a volunteer capacity, Jennifer has brought her skills and the trust and respect of her community to the roles of community liaison, and school feeding program coordinator. Over the years, “Mama Jennifer” has also welcomed and hosted dozens of FHF volunteers and students. Since 2020, she has served as FHF’s PSEA Focal Point for its More Food, Better Food project, and in 2022, she was appointed as Vice-Chair of the board of FHF’s newly established Kenyan wing, Wakulima Waisidia Wakulima. She continues to provide invaluable insight and guidance to FHF’s work and approaches. Moderator International Development and the Cost of Power Judyannet Muchiri Policy Officer, Inter-Council Network Judyannet’s intellectual and political interests include gender justice, civic participation, digital technologies, feminist foreign policy and knowledge creation processes. Her most recent work has been in Canada’s international cooperation sector and the non-profit sector in Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Uganda. Currently, Judyannet is leading policy work at the Inter-Council Network (ICN), co-leading the Africa Community Engagement Hub (ACE) and completing her doctoral work at Memorial University. Speaker International Development and the Cost of Power Kate Higgins CEO, Cooperation Canada Kate Higgins is Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada, a network of more than 95 Canadian international cooperation and humanitarian organizations that work with partners in Canada and globally for a fairer, safer and more sustainable world. Before joining Cooperation Canada, Kate worked as the Deputy Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, in addition to serving as Interim Executive Director in 2020. Kate has also worked in senior strategy and policy roles at CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations, and at the North-South Institute and the Overseas Development Institute. Kate started her career at the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). She has degrees in economics and development studies from the University of Sydney and the University of Oxford. Moderator Decent Work and the Cost of Power Keyshawn Bonamy Executive Director, Voluntary Resource Council Keyshawn Bonamy hails from Nassau, Bahamas. In 2016, he embarked on a new chapter in his life by moving to Prince Edward Island to pursue his studies in Economics at the University of Prince Edward Island. Driven by his desire to give back, Keyshawn has consistently demonstrated his commitment to volunteering and community service. He currently holds the position of Executive Director at the Voluntary Resource Council, a role that allows him to utilize his leadership skills to foster collaboration and support various charitable initiatives. For the past two years, Keyshawn has been actively involved with Meals on Wheels PEI, a program that provides nutritious meals to those in need. Speaker Decent Work and the Cost of Power Nouhad Mourad Community Organizer Nouhad (they/she) is a second-generation settler from Epekwitk (PEI) with a background in Anthropology and Diversity & Social Justice Studies, with experience working in post-secondary education, immigration, and non-profit sectors. A lifelong activist and community organizer, they believe that radical societal transformation is achievable by deepening our relationships with one another, with the earth, through mutual aid and collective organizing. They actively work to centre anti-oppression, anti-colonialism, community care, and radical love in their work and life. Speaker Climate Change and the Cost of Action Patrick Augustine Assistant Professor & Elder, UPEI Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies Patrick Augustine, a Mi’kmaw from New Brunswick with ancestral ties to Sikniktuk and Epikwitk, now resides in L’sipuktuk (Elsipogtog) First Nation. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, and Applied Studies (IKERAS), Patrick holds a Master's in Island Studies from the University of Prince Edward Island. With over three decades of experience, Patrick has been a dedicated contributor to Indigenous organizations at local, provincial, regional, national, and international levels. His journey includes notable roles such as a Research Officer at the First Nation Centre of the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO) and later as a valued member of their Board of Directors. Patrick's expertise extends to various research areas, including Míkmaq gaming, Wabanaki history, addiction rehabilitation, traditional healing, Aboriginal health research, and First Nations health policy. His commitment to Indigenous communities and academic pursuits makes him a vital figure in advancing Indigenous knowledge and practices. Speaker International Development and the Cost of Power Taryn Russell Deputy Executive Director, Results Canada Taryn is the Deputy Executive Director at Results Canada – a grassroots advocacy organization working to create the political will to end extreme poverty. Taryn is passionate about the power of advocacy to tackle systemic inequities in the world and really enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge of advocacy with others. Prior to Results she worked as Head of Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children Canada and has also held positions with Global Affairs Canada and the United Nations Development Programme. Speaker International Development and the Cost of Power Wendy MacDonald Board Member, Farmers Helping Farmers Wendy MacDonald brings a background in public policy, research and analysis to her involvement with Farmers Helping Farmers. She joined FHF's Education Committee in 2008, and became a member of the Board in 2014. She travelled to Kenya in 2017 on a school safety and inclusion initiative, and took on the role of Vice-President later that year. She was a member of the proposal writing team for FHF's current Global Affairs Canada project, More Food, Better Food in 2017 and 2018. In May 2019, Wendy retired from her role as Clerk Assistant to the Government of PEI, completing a 40-year public policy career spanning Saskatchewan, Ontario and Prince Edward Island, and in June she became President of FHF, serving until July 2021, and Past President 2021-23. During those roles, Wendy visited Kenya again in early 2020 and in late 2022, assisted with monitoring and reporting of the GAC project, and was involved in the work of all FHF committees. She is currently a member of FHF's Project Committee and its Strategic Planning Committee, and continues to support FHF in reporting and evaluation of its work. Wendy holds degrees in Political Studies from Queens University, Canada, and in Public Policy and Public Administration from the London School of Economics. Her other volunteer involvements have included children's education, healthy eating, and heritage preservation, and most recently community development and seniors' wellbeing. COVID and Health Protocol In order to make the conference more inclusive and accessible, particularly for those living with increased health and safety risks, and in support of a community of care model of health and safety and the recent recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, Dr. Theresa Tam, to start masking again during the respiratory virus season , participants are strongly encouraged to protect collective health, safety and well-being by masking throughout the event. To enable this, we will be providing masks and COVID-19 tests, and will work with venue staff to ensure that there are options for increased spacing indoors. We encourage those not feeling well to participate online instead. Conference guidelines and logistical parameters are subject to change in the event of changes to the Covid context. Information about public health Covid guidelines by province/ territory can be found here . ACIC Office and events are a scent-free space. We request that all guests and attendees refrain from using scented products to accommodate those with sensitivities.

< Back Global Affairs Canada Funds ICN’s LIFT Program with $38.5 Million Inter-Council Network Feb 5, 2025 Global Affairs Canada Funds ICN’s LIFT Program, Significant Impact in Atlantic Region Halifax, Nova Scotia – February 5, 2025 – The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) is pleased to announce that Global Affairs Canada has provided $38.5 million in funding to the Inter-Council Network (ICN) to implement the LIFT program. This funding will support small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) across Canada, including ACIC's members in the Atlantic region, helping them to continue and expand their impactful global development work. The Honorable Minister Ahmed Hussen made the funding announcement yesterday, during International Development Week (IDW), a week dedicated to raising awareness of global development issues and recognizing the contributions of Canadians in creating positive change around the world. IDW is celebrated annually in February, providing an opportunity to highlight the essential role that Canadian organizations, like those within the ICN and ACIC’s network, play in advancing global development and international cooperation. As a member of the ICN, ACIC is excited about how this funding will directly benefit organizations in the Atlantic region, enabling them to strengthen their development efforts, scale their projects, and continue addressing key global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and gender equality. "We are thrilled that Global Affairs Canada is supporting the ICN’s LIFT program, which will provide essential resources to small and medium-sized organizations across the country," said Jennifer Sloot, Executive Director of ACIC. "As part of the ICN, we are excited to see how this funding will empower our members in the Atlantic region to build on their vital work and create even greater impact in the communities they serve. This is an incredible opportunity for grassroots organizations to grow, collaborate, and make a lasting difference in the Global South." The LIFT program, designed to provide funding to grassroots Canadian NGOs, will allow organizations to scale their international development projects and strengthen their capacity to respond to the most pressing global challenges. ACIC’s members, which focus on sectors like education, health, environment, and human rights, will benefit from this funding to deepen their impact and strengthen local partnerships. In celebration of International Development Week, ACIC is hosting a number of events throughout the week to engage the public, raise awareness of global development issues, and recognize the incredible work of its members. These events will provide opportunities for learning, discussion, and connection among organizations and individuals passionate about making a difference in the world. Through this support, ACIC, in collaboration with the ICN, will continue to facilitate capacity-building, promote knowledge-sharing, and ensure that organizations in the Atlantic region are well-positioned to maximize the impact of this funding. Link to ICN/RCC Press Release For more information about ACIC’s IDW events or the LIFT program, please contact: Mateo Gomez Communications Officer Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) Email: mateo@acic-caci.org Website: www.acic-caci.org Previous Next