U2’s Bono urges Trudeau not to rule out UN’s foreign-aid spending target
OTTAWA — U2 frontman Bono is urging Justin Trudeau to resist ruling out a foreign-aid boost to help Canada meet a United Nations development target, even though the Liberal government has deemed it too ambitious.
In an exclusive interview with The Canadian Press, the Irish rock star praised Canada for showing an openness to the world at a time when many countries have been retreating deeper into isolation.
But Bono, who will meet Trudeau this weekend at an international-aid event, said while he recognizes the UN’s recommended spending objective is a difficult goal — he hopes the prime minister doesn’t push it aside.
The UN target challenges countries to dedicate at least 0.7 per cent of their gross national income to foreign aid.