17 June 2013
Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
Prior to G-8 Leaders’ discussions today at the Lough Erne Summit in Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $115 million in new Canadian support that will help address the humanitarian and development challenges both in Syria and in those neighbouring countries receiving refugees.
“The brutal Assad regime continues to wreak havoc on innocent Syrian civilians. Canada will continue to work with our allies to help the Syrian people,” said Prime Minister Harper. “To address the growing crisis, Canada is providing significant additional support to help meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable people in the region.”
In response to UN and International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement humanitarian appeals for Syria and neighbouring countries in 2013, Canada is providing $90 million in new support to humanitarian organizations operating in Syria and in refugee-hosting countries with a view to urgently providing food, clean water and sanitation, emergency health care, shelter, and protection for populations affected by the Syrian crisis.
An additional $25 million in support will also be provided to Jordan and Lebanon to build resilience of government services and infrastructure, including in health, education and the delivery of basic services currently under severe stress because of the influx of Syrian refugees.
