Canada provides new humanitarian assistance in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
News release
February 24, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
As the situation on the ground in Türkiye and Syria continues to be critical, the urgent, immediate needs of communities affected by the recent earthquakes are becoming clearer.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced that Canada is providing an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the appeal from the United Nations for Türkiye and Syria. This funding will help support a range of critical humanitarian activities and a timely, effective and coordinated humanitarian response in both Türkiye and Syria. As Canadians have been generous in their support to the people affected by this disaster, Minister Sajjan also announced that Canada will match $10 million in donations raised by the Humanitarian Coalition and its members.
These funds will help the Humanitarian Coalition and its members deliver life-saving services, such as emergency food, cash and vouchers, as well as necessary water, sanitation and health services. This matching fund, Canada’s second in response to this crisis, will address the growing needs in Syria in addition to those in Türkiye.
Working with the Canadian Red Cross, Canada has already sent 22,000 relief items from its stockpiles to help the humanitarian response efforts in Türkiye, including blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, tarpaulins and jerry cans, and supported the deployment of 4 humanitarian experts from the Canadian Red Cross to join the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s emergency responses in Syria and Türkiye.
Canada continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with humanitarian partners to assess and respond to evolving needs.
Quotes
“We continue to be stricken by the terrible tragedy that is unfolding in Türkiye and Syria. Today’s announcement responds to the humanitarian appeals made by the international community. Coordinated and thoughtful humanitarian action is essential to an effective response on the ground. By working with these experienced humanitarian partners, Canada is ensuring that its assistance will quickly go to the people who need help the most.”
- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
“After facing one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit the region, it is our duty as a government to ensure that Canada is there to bring much-needed assistance to the people of Türkiye and Syria. We will continue to stand with the people of Türkiye and Syria during this difficult time and will provide emergency assistance to help the two countries recover.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“This humanitarian assistance will help bring some urgent relief to communities in Türkiye and Syria that are suffering. Canada will be there to help those affected by these awful events and get through these difficult times.”
- Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport
Quick facts
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Canada’s Humanitarian Coalition brings together leading humanitarian organizations to offer Canadians a simple and effective way to help during international humanitarian disasters. Its members are Action Against Hunger Canada, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, CARE Canada, Doctors of the World Canada, Humanity and Inclusion Canada, Islamic Relief Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan International Canada, Save the Children Canada and World Vision Canada.
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With today’s announcement, Canada has committed to providing $50 million in funding in response to the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
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On February 8, 2023, Canada announced that it would match $10 million in donations to the Canadian Red Cross Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria Appeal from February 6 to 22, 2023. The full amount in donations has been matched.
Associated links
- Humanitarian Coalition
- Canada’s response to the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
- Canada to match up to $10 million in donations from Canadians in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
- Canada provides humanitarian assistance in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
- Flash Appeal: Syrian Arab Republic Earthquake (February - May 2023)
- Flash Appeal: Türkiye Earthquake (February - April 2023)
Contacts
Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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