The federal government will provide an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance to Turkey and Syria following the recent earthquakes in those two countries.
International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan announced Friday that Canada would also match donations from the public up to $10 million. This amount will be donated to the Humanitarian Coalition and is in addition to the $10 million pledged to the Red Cross.
“Coordinated and thoughtful humanitarian action is essential to an effective response on the ground. By working with these experienced humanitarian partners, Canada is ensuring that its aid will quickly reach the people who need it most,” said Minister Sajjan.
This announcement comes following a call for assistance from the United Nations. Members of Parliament had also urged the government to extend its matching funds program to other organizations.
The Humanitarian Coalition, which includes organizations like Oxfam, World Vision and Plan International, provides lifesaving services such as emergency food, cash and vouchers, as well as water, sanitation and health care needed.
More than a million victims
Two powerful earthquakes and hundreds of aftershocks hit Turkey and Syria on February 6, damaging tens of thousands of buildings and killing more than 47,000 people.
According to UNICEF, more than a million people are living in temporary shelters like gymnasiums, stadiums, hotel rooms and dormitories. They have limited access to essential services.
“Children and families who survived the earthquakes face homelessness, lack of food and water. Temperatures often dip below freezing at night,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Afshan Khan.
Turkish authorities said on Friday that the preliminary phase of reconstruction work had begun. Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Marat Kurum says excavation work is underway in the towns of Nurdagi and Islahiye in Gaziantep province, where the government plans to build 855 residences.