April 27, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, and the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada has established the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund.
“Canadians have consistently shown that they are willing to help those most in need. To support their generosity, the Government of Canada will match their contributions dollar for dollar,” said Minister Paradis. “This fund will provide effective and accountable financial support to experienced Canadian and international humanitarian and development partner organizations working on humanitarian assistance, early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas of Nepal.”
“Canadian officials are working closely with their counterparts in Nepal and India to help Canadian citizens in the region,” stated Minister Nicholson. “Canada will continue to work with its partners to assess needs and ensure that our assistance goes where it can help the most—and that it gets there as quickly as possible.”
For every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities between April 25 and May 25, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund. This matching contribution will support humanitarian, early recovery and reconstruction assistance in Nepal through projects undertaken by Canada’s international humanitarian and non-governmental partners responding to the earthquake according to established channels and procedures.
The Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund is separate from the funds raised by charities and will be administered by the Government of Canada.
Minister Paradis also took the opportunity to announce additional support for the deployment of relief supplies from the emergency stockpile of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFTAD) to meet the immediate needs of people affected by the earthquake.
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATD_Dev
Like us on Facebook: Canada Is Dedicated to International Development - DFATD
