September 12, 2010
Toronto, Ontario - The Honourable John Baird, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, that the Government of Canada is extending the deadline for contributions to the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund to October 3, 2010.
For every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to Canadian registered charities raising funds in response to the floods, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund.
Minister Baird made the announcement as Minister Oda was preparing to visit Pakistan from September 13 to 15 for a first-hand assessment of the delivery of Canada's humanitarian assistance and the work of our partners on the ground.
"These floods have had a devastating impact on the lives of millions in Pakistan. More than 18 million people have been affected, and children and women are especially vulnerable to the ensuing danger of disease and epidemics," said Minister Baird. "The situation remains dire and the effects of the floods mean that even as the waters recede, millions of people remain at risk of disease and death."
With the extension of the deadline for eligible contributions to the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund, Canadians will continue to have the opportunity to see their generous contributions matched by the Government of Canada.
"The impact of the floods in Pakistan is immense. Our government will continue to support meeting the immediate needs of those affected as well as look to the long-term recovery needs of those who saw their homes, farms and livelihoods destroyed," said Minister Oda. "I encourage all Canadians over the next three weeks to support the flood victims in Pakistan in their greatest hour of need."
The Government of Canada established the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund on August 22. The government is contributing to the fund an amount equivalent to the total of the eligible donations made to registered charities by individual Canadians from August 2 until the new deadline of October 3, 2010. The attestation period for registered charities to report their donations to the government will also be extended to October 18 2010. The fund will provide effective and accountable financial support to experienced Canadian and international humanitarian and development partner organizations working in the affected areas.
On August 2, Canada made an initial contribution of $2 million for the provision of emergency food, water, sanitation, shelter, non-food items, and health services for Pakistan. On August 14, Canada increased its contribution to $33 million, of which CIDA allocated $25 million to international humanitarian partners and Canadian non-governmental organizations, such as Save the Children, CARE, OXFAM and the Canadian Red Cross Society. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, through its Global Peace and Security Fund is providing $8 million for equipment to restore links for communities cut off by the flooding.
The government's $33 million builds on more than $69 million in CIDA funding for Pakistan since 2009.
For more information on the response to the floods in Pakistan, visit CIDA's website.
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Information:
Isabelle Bouchard
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
