Montréal—On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for la Francophonie and Official Languages, today welcomed Canadians returning from Lebanon upon their arrival at the
Montréal-Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

"We are happy to know that Canadians are now returning home to Canada and that their evacuation is unrolling as efficiently as possible under such difficult circumstances.

"Most of the Canadians landing in Montréal are being met by family members, but some are not as fortunate and this is where the important work of the Canadian Red Cross volunteers is invaluable. I had the opportunity to meet the Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Red Cross, Mr. Pierre Duplessis, as well as many of the dedicated volunteers who are ensuring that travellers have all of the support they require," said Minister Verner.