Canada Helps Millions Affected by Pakistan's Floods

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Feb. 25, 2011) - Today, on behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale, and Honourable Senator Salma Ataullahjan announced the Harper government's continued support for the more than 20 million people affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan seven months ago. Though floodwaters have receded in many parts of the country and flood-affected people are returning to their home areas, humanitarian need is still substantial.

"Although stories about the flooding in Pakistan have left the newscasts, the need in Pakistan remains significant, and our Government is committed to continuing to help meet the essential humanitarian needs of those affected," said Minister Oda. "Canada's assistance will also combat the threat of a severe food shortage next year, since the floods affected a vast agricultural region of the country. Families who are able to return to their homes must receive help to resume their livelihoods and prepare for the planting season."

"Our government committed to matching the donations Canadians made to the people of Pakistan," explained MP Bob Dechert. "Today, we are delivering on that commitment."
In today's announcement, the Harper government is supporting the efforts of the Canadian Red Cross Society, Oxfam Canada, World Vision Canada, CARE Canada, Action Against Hunger (Action Contre la Faim), and the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation. This support will provide ongoing flood response work, emergency relief supplies, humanitarian and recovery assistance to flood-affected people. Canadian aid will also increase access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities and hygiene to 200,000 flood-affected people and 7,500 households, as well as support cash-for-work opportunities to 14,000 people. In addition, to combat the threat of a food shortage, the Harper government will help restore the livelihoods of more than 69,000 households in the agricultural sector by providing agricultural resources such as seeds, fertilizers, and necessary tools.

"As a leader on the international stage, Canada remains committed to helping people affected by devastating natural disasters," said Senator Ataullahjan.

Following the floods, in recognition of the contributions individual Canadians made to help the flood–affected people, the Harper government announced that Canada would match the donation amounts to the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund. Canadians answered the call and generously contributed $46.8 million, which the Harper government matched. Today's announcement of $27.8 million, combined with a previously announced $19 million, totals the $46.8 million in the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund.

Canada's assistance to the people affected by the Pakistan floods includes a government contribution of $25 million, plus the $46.8 million from the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund, totalling $71.8 million.

For more information on Canada's support to Pakistan, please visit CIDA's website (http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/).