Structural compassion transforms empathy from a personal burden into a sustainable system, protecting both frontline workers and the communities they serve. Without it, urgency and identity can blur boundaries, leading to burnout, mission drift, and the erosion of long-term impact.
For two years, Canadian aid organizations have struggled to get help to starving and injured Palestinians, as most borders were shuttered to international help. While the ceasefire is on, food, medicine and supplies must flow unimpeded into the region.
The eradication of USAID will have global ripple effects for decades. The agency, which had a budget of more than US$35 billion, was the backbone of much of the international assistance work in developing regions. This signals to other governments that they can also step back from their humanitarian commitments.
Amid Prime Minister Mark Carney’s promised reduction in the public service, non-profits and social purpose groups will likely have a tough time advocating for increased funding. However, many also recommend that the government review some of its social policy commitments and update them with the present economic situation in mind.
