January 22, 2014
OTTAWA—Canada strongly condemns the indefensible killings of three polio workers in Pakistan yesterday.
Humanitarian and development workers are there to administer crucial, lifesaving assistance. Violence against them is inexcusable. I applaud the Pakistani government for denouncing yesterday's attack, and I urge officials to do whatever they can to find and bring to justice those who are responsible for it.
Canada, like all partners engaged in the ongoing fight to rid the world of polio, remains undeterred by such violence. While attacks of this nature make global efforts more difficult, they will not keep us from continuing our work to end this debilitating disease.
On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed yesterday.
Christian Paradis
Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie
