Canada joined the ILO in 1919 as one of the founding member States of the Organization. Since then, Canada has ratified numerous ILO Conventions, including the eight Fundamental Conventions as well as three Governance Conventions and 26 Technical Conventions. Canada has proven to be a key partner in the pursuit of decent work for all.

In addition to assessed contributions, Canada supports ILO objectives through its voluntary contributions to ILO’s development cooperation programme. These voluntary contributions are mainly provided through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

Canada’s support to ILO interventions

With the support of development cooperation funding from Canada, the ILO currently implements programmes in Jordan, Tunisia, Costa Rica, Viet Nam, Ukraine, Bangladesh, and Egypt as well as a regional programme in Asia and the Pacific.

Canada's priorities in international development

Through their Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada contributes to global efforts to eradicate poverty by tackling its root cause: inequality. Canada’s vision for international assistance is based on the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective approach to building a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.

In this sense, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is at the core of Canada’s new policy. Other areas of action include:

• Human dignity
• Growth that works for everyone
• Environment and climate action
• Inclusive governance
• Peace and security

Canada’s focus is now on ensuring the greatest positive impact in fragile contexts as well as in the poorest countries while supporting middle-income countries.