Taxpayers are on the hook for over $1 billion after Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged new funding to a global health fund ahead of the G20 summit in South Africa.
Canada has pledged more than $1 billion to a global health fund ahead of the G20 summit in South Africa.
The $1.02 billion commitment was announced Friday in Johannesburg by Cindy Termorshuizen, Carney’s personal representative to the G20. The funds will support the Global Fund’s programming from 2027 through 2029.
The Global Fund combats infectious diseases in the world’s poorest countries by supplying mosquito nets, diagnostics and treatment for malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. Canada has supported the organization since its launch in 2002.
Carney’s G20 visit follows a stop in the United Arab Emirates earlier this week, where the federal government announced a prospective $70 billion in future investments. However, no binding commitments were signed. Instead, UAE officials pledged potential funding for Canadian critical minerals projects, but without details or timelines.
The $1.02 billion pledge aligns with Canada’s historical support for global health efforts but comes as inflation, housing costs and spending restraint remain key domestic political concerns. Ottawa’s continued international funding commitments have drawn criticism in light of federal program reviews and domestic affordability issues.
Canada’s contribution comes as other major donors, including Germany and the United Kingdom, reduce their own contributions. The United States has yet to confirm a pledge, and President Donald Trump will not attend the summit.
Carney’s Saturday schedule includes meetings with leaders from France, Vietnam, Norway, Jamaica, Germany and the European Commission. He is also expected to participate in two G20 working sessions and a leaders’ dinner hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.