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Canadian International Development Minister Christian Paradis announced a Syrian emergency relief fund that will match donations from Canadians up to $100 million.
According to Paradis, The fund will assist conflict-affected people in Syria and neighbouring countries. And will be used to provide basic needs such as food, clothing and healthcare.
He said the government will match funds donated to registered Canadian charities, adding that this is “an opportunity to put a vehicle where Canadians will be able to channel their generosity.”
Paradis said “The government will deal with [the] Red Cross, Red Crescent,”. “We want to deal with people on the ground who have the capacities to reach people the most in need.”
He also added that the funds will go toward people in the region and in some transit countries that are eligible for official government development assistance, rather than those who’ve fled to Europe. Paradis also said the government is deploying more resources in Beirut and Amman. The emergency fund will be in place until Dec. 31.
The government has faced criticism over its tepid reaction to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and neighbouring countries. Canada has taken in about 1,000 Syrian refugees so far this year — just 188 of them government-sponsored — toward the latest target of 10,000 over three years.
