Prime Minister announces new Lebanon Relief Fund

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the creation of a $25 million Lebanon Relief Fund to respond effectively to relief, early recovery, and stabilization needs in Lebanon.

“As a leader on the international stage, Canada has a responsibility to help those suffering from circumstances beyond their control.  Today’s announcement is about doing just that – bringing urgent relief to people by ensuring the availability of much-needed humanitarian supplies,” said the Prime Minister.

The two-year fund will be used to respond to requests by the Red Cross Movement, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address needs in Lebanon following the ceasefire.  It will also enable Canada to undertake targeted stabilization and reconstruction activities, as called for in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

Today’s announcement builds on Canada’s previous allocation of $5.5 million to humanitarian efforts in Lebanon.  Canada has also actively supported the efforts of humanitarian agencies in Lebanon to reach those in need, including the transport by sea of humanitarian personnel and over 140 tonnes of relief items.