May 8, 2013
Ottawa — Providing help to those in need in times of crisis is a defining Canadian value. Today, in recognition of World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, announced Canadian humanitarian support for those most in need around the world.
"World Red Cross Red Crescent Day provides the opportunity to reflect on the important and critical work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in meeting the needs of people in crisis," said Minister Fantino. "Humanitarian assistance during emergencies is a concrete expression of the best of Canadian values, where we help those in dire need and work to ensure no one is left behind."
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is one of Canada's key partners in humanitarian assistance. It is made up of three distinct components: the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and 187 individual National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Together, they have about 97 million members and volunteers, and form the largest humanitarian network in the world.
"The ICRC is honoured to be recognized by the Government of Canada on the 150th anniversary of its humanitarian action,'' said Mr. François Stamm, Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for the US and Canada. "We celebrate this anniversary with a great appreciation for the personal commitment of the thousands of staff and volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement who are addressing the toughest humanitarian issues in today's world. It is also thanks to the strong support of countries such as Canada that the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has become the world's largest humanitarian network."
"One hundred and fifty years after the birth of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, we continue to provide relevant and timely humanitarian service to vulnerable communities," said Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Red Cross. "Now and into the future, the Canadian Red Cross stands ready to support the Movement in meeting the critical humanitarian needs created by situations of both conflict and disaster."
Economic Action Plan 2013 reaffirms Canada's commitment to humanitarian assistance. As announced in Economic Action Plan 2013, the new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will ensure greater efficiencies and effectiveness in its delivery of international development assistance while maintaining the mandate of poverty alleviation and humanitarian assistance.
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