October 5, 2011
Montreal, Quebec―Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced the preliminary tally of funds donated by Canadians to registered Canadian charitable organizations working in East Africa on drought relief.
"Canadians have once again demonstrated their compassion and generosity by continuing to support the people of East Africa suffering from this catastrophic drought," said Minister Oda. "The Canadian government is proud to partner with Canadians to help those affected by the drought. We continue to work with partners on the ground to ensure Canadian aid is helping those who need it the most, including women and children."
Donations made by Canadians to registered Canadian charitable organizations, from July 6 to September 16, 2011, will be matched by the Government of Canada through the East Africa Drought Relief Fund.
The preliminary tally, as of October 4, is estimated to be just over $70 million dollars, with total contribution amounts to be verified by mid-October.
The Government, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will use the Fund for relief efforts that benefit the people in East Africa affected by the drought. CIDA will allocate the money raised through the Fund to experienced Canadian and international humanitarian organizations.
Minister Oda made her remarks during a keynote address at the McGill Conference on Global Food Security, where she highlighted Canada's international food security commitments.
"I am proud to report that Canada is the first G8 country to meet its L'Aquila commitment," said Minister Oda. "Canada's support will deliver results for sustainable agricultural development and for research and development needed to develop new seeds and crops that will be drought tolerant."
In fulfilling its L'Aquila commitment, the Government of Canada, through CIDA, helps countries improve food supply and long-term food security. Canada's support helps smallholder farmers, particularly women, to increase agricultural productivity, improve nutrition of malnourished children through diversifying diets, and strengthen agricultural livelihoods so families can meet their food needs. Canada is investing in agricultural research to spur scientific advances in crop production to ensure people have access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food.
The Minister underlined how Canada's programming includes a strong focus on nutrition when addressing emergency situations, and when building long-term food security. The Minister emphasized that nutrition is a key pillar in Canada's G8 Muskoka Initiative to improve Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, and that Canada is a leader in the global movement on Scaling Up Nutrition, which aims to tackle under-nutrition across a range of sectors, including agriculture and food, health, social protection, and education.
For more information on the Minister's speech at the McGill Food Security Conference, please visit CIDA's website.
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For more information:
Justin Broekema
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Tel. 819-953-6238
Email: justin.broekema@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Tel. 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
