Video—DFATD’s humanitarian crisis assistance is used as intended, but Department needs to find ways to improve response times

Video Transcript

In this audit, we looked at how the government of Canada provides assistance in response to the onset of humanitarian crises in developing countries.

We found that Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada considers the needs of affected populations and works through appropriate partners in providing humanitarian assistance in crisis affected areas.

In addition, we found that for almost all the projects we looked at, the assistance provided was used by partners in a manner consistent with the objectives laid out by the Department.

While we found that Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada can respond quickly to humanitarian appeals and proposals, we also noted that for one third of the projects we examined, responses took three months or longer.

There is an opportunity for the Department to analyze the timeliness of its responses and find ways to improve response times.