As the Carney government moves to refocus foreign aid on what it sees as "effective" investment, a major recipient of Canadian development funds says Ottawa should strike a balance between prudent spending and advancing Canadian values.

"Taxpayers … are not against international aid, but they're for more effective international aid ," said Asif Saleh, who leads BRAC , one of the world's largest non-profit organizations.

"The opportunity cost of a dollar spent on ineffective things is far higher than ever before."

Saleh, who is based in Bangladesh, spoke to The Canadian Press during a recent visit to Ottawa ahead of the Nov. 4 budget. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said the upcoming budget will outline his government's approach to foreign aid.

In recent years, and before US Pres

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