Editorial selection

Small amounts, odd records

Small payments get less attention than large ones. These are records of under $150,000 each whose recipient, title or country is hard to square with international assistance as most people understand it: hotels, a winery, a flying club, a jewellery company, sports clubs, and equal payments made on the same day. This list is selected by Publicly. It is an editorial choice, not a ranking produced by the data.

Every entry is described as the government record states it, with the record's own wording quoted and a link to the record. Amounts are checked against the government files each time the site is rebuilt. A listing is a reason to ask questions, not a finding of wrongdoing.

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24 entries, largest amount first

Country
France (International Energy Agency, Paris)
Date
Agreement start 2018-01-31
Department / program
Natural Resources Canada
Recipient
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY

Recipient

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY

Why it is listed Five agreements of equal value with the same recipient started on the same day; none has a title or program in the record.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • GC-2018-Q4-06809, amendment 0: $50,000, start date 2018-01-31
  • GC-2018-Q4-06810, amendment 0: $50,000, start date 2018-01-31
  • GC-2018-Q4-06811, amendment 0: $50,000, start date 2018-01-31
  • GC-2018-Q4-06812, amendment 0: $50,000, start date 2018-01-31
  • GC-2018-Q4-06813, amendment 0: $50,000, start date 2018-01-31
Country
Costa Rica
Date
Fiscal year 2005-06 to 2006-07
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project K062186001
Recipient
MONTE CARLO HOTEL - MOTEL INTL INC.

Recipient organization

MONTE CARLO HOTEL - MOTEL INTL INC.

Sector

Tourism policy and administrative management

Why it is listed Two years of aid lines name Monte Carlo Hotel - Motel Intl Inc. as the recipient, under 'Tourism policy and administrative management', with Costa Rica as the country.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (2 yearly files). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
United Kingdom
Date
Agreement start 2026-04-01
Department / program
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada / International Collaboration Program
Recipient
Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International

Agreement title

CABI pension payment

Why it is listed Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada paid an international organisation in the United Kingdom under a title that describes a pension payment.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 235-2025-2026-Q4-00432, amendment 0: $135,000, start date 2026-04-01
Country
Costa Rica
Date
Fiscal year 2007-08 to 2008-09
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project K062540001
Recipient
3309916 CANADA INC (FUMOIR LA FÉE DES GRÈVES)

Recipient organization

3309916 CANADA INC (FUMOIR LA FÉE DES GRÈVES)

Sector

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development

Why it is listed Two years of aid lines name a numbered company operating as Fumoir La Fée des Grèves (a smokehouse) as the recipient, with Costa Rica as the country.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (2 yearly files). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
China
Date
Fiscal year 2006-07 to 2007-08
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project K062376001
Recipient
PILLITTERI ESTATES WINERY INC.

Recipient organization

PILLITTERI ESTATES WINERY INC.

Sector

Agricultural development

Why it is listed Two years of aid lines name Pillitteri Estates Winery as the recipient, with China as the country and 'Agricultural development' as the sector.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (2 yearly files). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
Nicaragua
Date
Agreement start 2016-02-25
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada
Recipient
Instituto Nicaraguense de Turismo

Recipient

Instituto Nicaraguense de Turismo

Why it is listed Two agreements of equal value with the Instituto Nicaraguense de Turismo started the same day; neither has a title or program in the record.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • GC-2016-Q4-0084, amendment 0: $50,000, start date 2016-02-25
  • GC-2016-Q4-0085, amendment 0: $50,000, start date 2016-02-25
Country
Afghanistan, Canada, Haiti, Sri Lanka
Date
Fiscal year 2005-06
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project A032739001
Recipient
Transcontinental Media - Homemaker's Madame Magazine

Recipient organization

Transcontinental Media - Homemaker's Madame Magazine

Sector

Promotion of development awareness

Why it is listed Lines naming Transcontinental Media's Homemaker's Madame Magazine as the recipient are reported under Afghanistan, Canada, Haiti and Sri Lanka.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
United States
Date
Agreement start 2018-11-15
Department / program
Natural Resources Canada / Contributions in support of Energy Efficiency
Recipient
RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Agreement title

Lighting metrics for safety perception in parking lots

Why it is listed Natural Resources Canada paid a university in Troy, United States, for research on lighting and the perception of safety in parking lots.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 115-2018-2019-Q3-07178, amendment 0: $79,150, start date 2018-11-15
Country
Mexico
Date
Fiscal year 2005-06
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project K061218001
Recipient
EVERTRU JEWELLERY COMPANY LTD.

Recipient organization

EVERTRU JEWELLERY COMPANY LTD.

Sector

Industrial policy and administrative management

Why it is listed The recipient on this aid line is a jewellery company, and the country is Mexico.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico
Date
Fiscal year 2018-19
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada / Project P007182001
Recipient
Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Project title

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG) Demystification Initiative

Recipient organization

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Why it is listed An RCMP project reported as international assistance in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, under this title.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
Viet Nam (recipients: hotels and tour companies in Canada)
Date
Fiscal year 2007-08
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project A033388PRE
Recipient
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Delta hotels, Chateau Victoria, Voyages Algonquin, Brewster Inc., Gray Line West

Recipient organization

Delta Chelsea Inn

Sector

Advanced technical and managerial training

Why it is listed In one aid project the recipients listed for Viet Nam include the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Delta hotels, the Chateau Victoria, a travel agency and sightseeing companies, under 'Advanced technical and managerial training'.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
Papua New Guinea
Date
Agreement start 2023-09-19
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada / Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Recipient
Skateboarding Papau New Guinea Incorporated

Agreement title

Contribution to Skateboardin Papau New Guinea Incorporated

Why it is listed A local-initiatives contribution to a skateboarding association; the record states no purpose beyond the recipient's name.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 064-2023-2024-Q2-CFLI-0114, amendment 0: $54,487.72, start date 2023-09-19
Country
Samoa
Date
Agreement start 2024-08-28
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada / Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Recipient
Southwest Basketball Association Inc.

Agreement title

Contribution to Southwest Basketball Association Inc.

Why it is listed A local-initiatives contribution to a basketball association; the record states no purpose beyond the recipient's name.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 064-2024-2025-Q2-CFLI-0362, amendment 0: $54,350, start date 2024-08-28
Country
United States
Date
Agreement start 2018-12-03
Department / program
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada / Strategic Activities Program
Recipient
World Economic Forum Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolutio

Agreement title

512011

Recipient

World Economic Forum Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolutio

Why it is listed Innovation, Science and Economic Development paid the World Economic Forum's centre in San Francisco; the title is only a number, and the agreement was amended twice.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 033-2018-2019-Q4-512011, amendment 0: $52,925, start date 2018-12-03 (not added to the amount above)
  • 033-2018-2019-Q4-512011, amendment 1: $105,896, start date 2018-12-03 (not added to the amount above)
  • 033-2018-2019-Q4-512011, amendment 2: $53,756.40, start date 2018-12-03
Country
Armenia
Date
Agreement start 2022-08-12
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada / Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Recipient
Young Winemakers Union

Agreement title

Contribution to Young Winemakers Union

Why it is listed A local-initiatives contribution to a winemakers' association; the record states no purpose beyond the recipient's name.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 064-2022-2023-Q2-00344, amendment 0: $52,206.85, start date 2022-08-12
Country
Guatemala
Date
Agreement start 2024-03-01
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada / Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Recipient
Aeroclub de Guatemala

Agreement title

Contribution to Aeroclub de Guatemala

Recipient

Aeroclub de Guatemala

Why it is listed A Canada Fund for Local Initiatives contribution whose recipient, by its name, is a flying club; the record gives no other purpose.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 064-2023-2024-Q4-CFLI-0005, amendment 0: $50,000, start date 2024-03-01
Country
United States
Date
Agreement start 2024-12-18
Department / program
National Defence / Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS)
Recipient
Valens Games

Agreement title

Arctic Awakenings: Understanding Climate Change, Disinformation, and Arctic Defence through Immersive Experiences

Recipient

Valens Games

Why it is listed National Defence paid a for-profit company in Duluth, United States, for a project on climate change, disinformation and Arctic defence 'through Immersive Experiences'.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 018-2024-2025-Q3-TEG24210, amendment 0: $49,779.64, start date 2024-12-18
Country
Indonesia
Date
Fiscal year 2005-06
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project K061486001
Recipient
LES CHOCOLATS SPLENDID LTÉE.

Recipient organization

LES CHOCOLATS SPLENDID LTÉE.

Sector

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development

Why it is listed The recipient on this aid line is a chocolate company, Les Chocolats Splendid, and the country is Indonesia.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
Turks and Caicos Islands (recipient: United Kingdom)
Date
Fiscal year 2013-14
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (DFATD-era file) / Project ACCBP 2010-109 Ph 2
Recipient
Foreign & Commonwealth Office (UK FCO)

Recipient organization

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (UK FCO)

Sector

Security system management and reform

Why it is listed The recipient is a department of the British government, and the country is a British overseas territory.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
Agreement start 2022-09-15
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada / Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Recipient
Zoo tennis club

Agreement title

Contribution to Zoo tennis club

Why it is listed A local-initiatives contribution to a tennis club; the record states no purpose beyond the recipient's name.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 064-2022-2023-Q4-00201, amendment 0: $32,819.54, start date 2022-09-15
Country
Canada
Date
Fiscal year 2005-06
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project A032805001
Recipient
Banff Television Festival Foundation

Recipient organization

Banff Television Festival Foundation

Sector

Promotion of development awareness

Why it is listed A line counted as international assistance names the Banff Television Festival Foundation as the recipient, with Canada as the country.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
Germany (a second record says Greece)
Date
Agreement start 2021-12-23 to 2022-03-02
Department / program
Parks Canada / General Class Contribution Program
Recipient
FLORIANFILM GMBH

Agreement title

Canada’s National Parks

Recipient

FLORIANFILM GMBH

Why it is listed Parks Canada paid a film production company in Cologne; a second record with the same title, value and city lists the country as Greece (GR) and may be the same agreement, so it is not added to the amount.

Source details

Federal grants and contributions (open.canada.ca), recipients outside Canada. Agreement values are what the record states; an amendment replaces the earlier value.

  • 154-2021-2022-Q3-000041, amendment 0: $25,000, start date 2021-12-23
  • 154-2021-2022-Q3-00041, amendment 1: $25,000, start date 2022-03-02 (not added to the amount above)
Country
Viet Nam (recipients: hotels and car services in Canada)
Date
Fiscal year 2015-16
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project D000756PRE
Recipient
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, Delta Montréal, Best Western Plus Royal Brock, Groupe Classique Limousine, Allante Airport Transportation Services, Red Car Services

Recipient organization

DELTA MONTRÉAL

Sector

Agricultural policy and administrative management

Why it is listed Lines of an agriculture project for Viet Nam name the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, Delta Montréal, a Best Western, Groupe Classique Limousine and two airport car services as recipients.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

Country
Ghana
Date
Fiscal year 2015-16
Department / program
Global Affairs Canada (CIDA-era file) / Project D002190001
Recipient
200007 Ontario Inc (INKAS Armored Vehicle

Recipient organization

200007 Ontario Inc (INKAS Armored Vehicle

Sector

Sectors not specified

Why it is listed The recipient on this aid line is INKAS Armored Vehicles, a Canadian company, and the country is Ghana; the sector is not specified.

Source details

Global Affairs Canada, Historical project data (1 yearly file). The record is the spreadsheet row listed; the file is a large CSV download.

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