Canada announces humanitarian assistance in response to Hurricane Melissa
News release
October 30, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Hurricane Melissa has severely affected the Caribbean region, causing loss of life, as well as damage to homes and infrastructure, impacting local communities and economies.
Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced $7 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to support emergency relief efforts in the Caribbean region.
Of this amount, $5 million will be allocated to humanitarian partners to provide life-saving assistance, such as emergency food, water, sanitation and health services, as well as protection and logistics services. The remaining $2 million has been allocated to the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub, which is dispatching food and relief items to Jamaica.
Canada has also offered to deploy relief supplies from its emergency stockpiles via the Red Cross Movement should they be requested.
Canada supports the region’s preparations for major disasters through WFP and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Canada’s Resilience and Enhanced Adaptability to Disasters in the Caribbean (READY) project has helped strengthen disaster preparedness in countries like Jamaica by improving logistics and warehouse planning and enhancing social protection systems for rapid emergency assistance. Through the Targeted Support to CDEMA project, Canada has strengthened CDEMA’s capacity to provide surge support for relief distribution, emergency telecommunications and search and rescue. Canada continues to support CDEMA’s Regional Response Mechanism, recognizing its vital role in coordinating timely and effective disaster response across the Caribbean.
With climate-related natural disasters on the rise and global warming leading to an increase in this kind of tropical storm, Canada is prepared to support those affected by severe weather crises and continue working with partners on climate resilience and emergency preparedness to ensure a safer future for all.
Canada continues to monitor the situation in the Caribbean region and remains in close contact with experienced partners to assess and respond to evolving needs.
Quotes
“My heart goes out to everyone affected during these difficult times. Canada’s initial response is focused on addressing the most immediate and urgent needs in the Caribbean region. We will continue to explore additional ways to support those impacted.”
- Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)
“We are taking action to help the people of the Caribbean recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Our support is delivering food, clean water, and emergency health services where they are needed most. Canada will continue to stand with the Caribbean — not just in response, but in rebuilding stronger.”
- Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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Canada is a key donor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which has provided a US$8 million allocation to the humanitarian response in Haiti and Cuba. This year, Canada provided more than $29 million to CERF.
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Canada is a donor to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. This year, Canada has contributed $5 million to it. The fund has allocated CHF$80,000 to the Jamaica Red Cross to support its readiness and early response.
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Canada is a donor to the WFP’s Immediate Response Account (IRA). This year, Canada has contributed $5 million to it. The IRA allocated US$281,690 in early October to equip the WFP teams in Cuba for the anticipated above-average hurricane season.
Associated links
Contacts
Shanti Cosentino
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State (International Development)
Shanti.Cosentino@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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