Statement from Minister Tim Uppal on the Recent Attack against Polio Workers in Pakistan

Ottawa, January 23, 2014 – The Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement in response to the recent violence against polio workers in Pakistan:

“I join all Canadians in condemning the indefensible killings of three polio workers in Peshawar, Pakistan.

“On January 6, 2014, I had the honour of meeting with Polio vaccinators, doctors and UNICEF staff while in Lahore, Pakistan. During the meeting, I was given an update on the polio situation in Pakistan and the risk that these workers take to help the eradication efforts.

“These humanitarian and development workers do an admirable job to provide crucial, lifesaving assistance and violence against them is inexcusable.

“Canada, like all partners engaged in the ongoing fight to rid the world of polio, remains undeterred by such violence. While attacks of this nature make global efforts more difficult, they will not keep us from continuing our work to end this debilitating disease.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of those killed working to eradicate Polio in Pakistan.

January 6, 2014 – Minister Tim Uppal is joined by MP Brad Butt (Mississauga-Streetsville), Senator Salma Ataullahjan and Senator Nancy Ruth in a meeting with UNICEF officials, doctors and polio vaccinators to announce Canada's latest contribution to the fight to eradicate polio in Pakistan and around the world.

StarBuzzOnline.com