Canada hosts key allies and partners to discuss steps toward peace in Syria

November 14, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Government of Canada brought together special envoys from 15 countries, along with representatives of the Syrian political opposition, the United Nations and Syrian civil society, as well as leading academics, to discuss the situation in Syria. This event, co-hosted by the Netherlands, took place in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, from November 11 to 13. Canada’s partners welcomed the timely in-depth discussions and the collective taking stock of the situation in Syria. They commended Canada for including representatives of Syrian civil society and the opposition in the discussions; they have not always been included in allies’ meetings on the conflict in Syria. The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, also held meetings with these representatives to hear their proposals for accelerating the cessation of hostilities.

The discussions focused on the conditions for a permanent cessation of hostilities, including by the Assad regime, which is backed by Russia and Iran, and for the resumption of peace talks. Accountability was at the centre of the discussions, as was the urgent need to find ways to provide sustained, unfettered humanitarian aid to the Syrian people. Minister Dion delivered the closing remarks.

The event follows the informal October 20 session of the United Nations General Assembly on Syria, requested by Canada on behalf of more than 70 UN members. On that occasion, speaking at the UN in New York City, Minister Dion called on the international community to stand up for Syrians and to bring an end to the ongoing violence and senseless suffering in Aleppo, Syria, and elsewhere throughout Syria.

As a member of the International Syria Support Group, Canada is working to bring an end to the conflict through a negotiated political agreement. The Mont-Tremblant event, convened by Canada, reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting security and stability in the region and to helping find a diplomatic solution to this crisis. It is part of Canada’s whole-of-government strategy for supporting the Global Coalition Against Daesh and broader engagement in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, which was announced in February 2016 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Canada and its key partners are mobilized in support of the Syrian people.

Quotes

Quick facts

• The ongoing conflict in Syria has triggered the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. According to the United Nations, 13.5 million people in Syria need urgent help, including 6.5 million who are internally displaced.
• On February 8, 2016, Canada committed an additional $1.6 billion over the next three years to respond to the situation in Syria and Iraq across the region. This includes humanitarian, development and security assistance that will help to meet the food, shelter, health, protection and emergency education needs of Syrians affected by the crisis.
• The Government of Canada has resettled more than 33,000 Syrian refugees since November 2015.

Associated links

• Address by Minister Dion at Syrian envoys' retreat
• Canada’s response to the conflict in Syria
• Operation IMPACT
• #WelcomeRefugees: Key figures
• Prime Minister sets new course to address crises in Iraq and Syria and impacts on the region

Contacts

Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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