National

Canada pledges $71 million in aid for Sudan, South Sudan and Central African Republic

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 May, 2023 11:00 AM

OTTAWA — International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan is announcing $71 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan and two neighbouring countries that are dealing with a large number of refugees in the wake of a violent crisis.

Canada stands with the people of Sudan and those in neighbouring countries affected by this ongoing crisis. That is why we’re providing over $71M in humanitarian assistance to the region.

We’re also calling for an immediate end to the violence & a solution for a lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/4IEBvqS0Lm
— Ahmed Hussen (@HonAhmedHussen) May 3, 2023

Sajjan says the funds will flow through agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross as well as non-governmental organizations to provide basic food, water and health services.

Nearly $31 million will go toward Sudan, while slightly more will be sent to South Sudan, which seceded from that country in 2011.

Canada will also send $10 million to the Central African Republic, as part of funds that will flow to at least 14 groups ranging from the World Food Programme to Doctors Without Borders.

Sajjan says the funding is flexibly structured so groups can scale up existing programs to meet huge flows of people fleeing a devastating escalation in violence that started in Sudan on April 15.

He is making the announcement alongside his parliamentary secretary Anita Vandenbeld, Diversity Minister Ahmed Hussen and Liberal MP Arielle Kayabaga.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Eby meets federal ministers on health priorities

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says he expects Ottawa and B.C. to soon reach a flexible bilateral action plan on health issues involving family care improvements, mental health services, front-line worker supports and modernizing the work environment.

Eby meets federal ministers on health priorities

West Fraser Timber reports loss in fourth quarter

The company, which reports in U.S. dollars, says in the fourth quarter it faced dampened new home construction in the U.S. due to high interest rates, which weighed on its lumber business in particular.

West Fraser Timber reports loss in fourth quarter

MPs want transparency in Canada's sanctions regime

The committee launched a study of the Russian military buildup at the border with Ukraine shortly before Moscow chose to invade the country a year ago. Since then, Ottawa has sanctioned hundreds of people linked to Russia's war effort, as well as officials accused of human-rights breaches from Haiti to Sri Lanka.

MPs want transparency in Canada's sanctions regime

Avalanche kills two in B.C.'s backcountry

Search and rescue crews were notified when the victims were reported overdue and their bodies were later recovered from the scene of the avalanche. Avalanche Canada says the area of the slide was highly wind-affected, leaving some parts of the slope thin and rocky, while other sections had up to 130 centimetres of snow.

Avalanche kills two in B.C.'s backcountry

Pandemic support lowered B.C.'s child poverty rate

It's the largest one-year drop in the rate since 2000, but one in eight children were still living in poverty, and the report says rates were "dramatically higher" among children living on First Nation reserves and those who recently immigrated.

Pandemic support lowered B.C.'s child poverty rate

MPs want more earthquake donations matched

The federal government has offered to match up to $10 million in donations to the Canadian Red Cross for their partners on the ground to help people who are suddenly homeless. Conservative, Bloc Québécois and New Democrat MPs want to see that expanded to include other groups, an idea that is supported by at least one Liberal MP, Sameer Zuberi.