Canada’s partnership with the Canadian Red Cross is saving lives around the world
September 4, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, was joined by Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Red Cross, to announce increased support through the Canadian Red Cross , that will allow Canada to provide timely, efficient and effective support in response to humanitarian crises around the world.
"Canada’s humanitarian assistance reflects the best of Canadian values. Over more than forty years, Canada has worked with the Canadian Red Cross to ensure we are prepared to respond to natural disasters, health epidemics and conflicts across the globe," said Minister Paradis. "Quickly reaching people in need of food, water and essential supplies can be a matter of life or death. Canada’s assistance is saving lives, alleviating suffering, and maintaining the dignity for those touched by tragedy."
In June 2012, Canada and the Canadian Red Cross established a strategic partnership to strengthen Canada’s humanitarian response capacity. Part of this partnership is the Enhanced Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund (EDAF), which has increased Canada’s capacity to provide assistance to people in need by ensuring a response to disasters within 48 hours. In addition, through the EDAF, the Canadian Red Cross manages Canada's stockpiles of emergency relief supplies, based in Mississauga, Ontario, and the recently established one in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. These stockpiles comprise relief items that are designed to meet the basic needs of crisis-affected populations such as tents, tarps, jerry-cans to safely transport water, and kitchen sets.
"The contribution and commitment being made by the Government of Canada will serve to strengthen our shared goal of providing vital humanitarian assistance to people around the world in their time of need”, said Conrad Sauvé. “Disasters and emergencies have devastating impacts and together we can translate the compassion of Canadians into real and meaningful help".
The Minister made the announcement following a consultation with British Columbia non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) on Canada’s global leadership on maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH). Minister Paradis and his Parliamentary colleagues are travelling across the country this summer to consult Canadians and Canadian NGO’s on MNCH, Canada’s number-one development priority, and more broadly, Canada’s global development programming.
While in Vancouver, Minister Paradis will also host round tables with British Columbia’s Ukrainian community to seek input on what Canada can do to support Ukraine’s transition to a prosperous democracy. He will also lead a round table on extractives to discuss Canada’s efforts to promote the responsible development of natural resources in developing countries.
Sandrine Périon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
sandrine.perion@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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