Abstract

In an era of increased globalization it is difficult to ignore the growing divide between the rich and the poor. This thesis examines the ways public engagement and education about international development issues take place in the public sphere, in Canada.
The thesis reviews the role of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and four Canadian Civil Society Organizations (CCSOs): CARE, Cuso, the McLeod Group as well as the role of the umbrella organization regrouping 92 CCSOs, the Canadian Coalition for International Cooperation (CCIC), in engaging the public about issues surrounding international development.
The research relies on information gleaned from the relevant websites, a range of publications and interviews with the four CCSOs. It identifies that the role for public engagement primarily falls on the shoulders of CCSOs, who deem public engagement to be an important part of what they do. It recounts the different ways the CCSOs interviewed are involved in public engagement as well as some of the key methods and strategies they employ. It concludes that CCSOs value public engagement however they are severely restricted in what they can do because of budget restraints and reduced government funding. The thesis also suggests further avenues for research into the way education about issues of international development takes place in other formal, non-formal and informal learning contexts in Canada.