June 17, 2013 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today visited the West Bank to announce an immediate, $25-million contribution to aid Palestinians.
“Canada supports a better, brighter future for all Palestinians,” said Baird. “The quickest, most sure-fire way to realize the promise of increased prosperity and greater security is to stop negotiating about negotiations and return to the table without preconditions. That’s long been my position and that’s what we’re supporting here today.”
Baird announced up to $1.4 million in new support to the Office of the Quartet Representative. An additional $3.6 million will further the Palestinian Authority’s security system reforms and strengthen the rule of law in the West Bank.
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, said from Ottawa that an additional $20 million in development assistance builds on previous Canadian contributions of $300 million over five years and will help meet urgent food and health needs while Canada considers future funding.
“Canada will make access to food, water and shelter available to address the basic needs of the most vulnerable Palestinians through reputable humanitarian partners,” said Minister Fantino. “Canada’s support will ensure that these essential goods and services are provided in a timely fashion to those who need them most. The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the humanitarian situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.”
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