Canada announces $15 million in additional assistance for Lebanon and matching of donations to Canadian Red Cross and Humanitarian Coalition

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by members of parliament and humanitarian partners, announced that Canada will provide an additional $15 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to address urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.

This funding will help trusted and experienced Canadian and international organizations provide food, water, emergency health care, protection services and other life-saving assistance.

The Minister also announced that Canada will allocate up to $6 million in donations made to the Canadian Red Cross’ Lebanon Humanitarian Needs Appeal and the Humanitarian Coalition’s Lebanon Emergency Appeal. Every donation made by individuals to these organizations from September 24 to November 3, 2024, will be matched to a maximum of $3 million for each appeal.

The funding Canada will provide to the Canadian Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition has been allocated from the $10 million in humanitarian assistance funding announced by Minister Hussen on September 28, 2024. The remaining $4 million will be allocated equally between the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Food Programme.

Working with the Canadian Red Cross, Canada will also send relief items from its stockpiles to help the humanitarian response efforts in Lebanon, including 5,000 blankets and 1,000 hygiene kits.

Canada remains steadfast in its call for a cessation of hostilities and the need for compliance with international humanitarian law. The safety and well-being of civilians, including humanitarian workers, must be a top priority.

Quotes

“The critical and immediate needs of people affected by the conflict becomes clearer with each day that goes by. This is why we are teaming up with Canadians, working together to support our partners on the ground as they provide urgent, life-saving assistance to those most impacted by this humanitarian crisis.”- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

“Canada is deeply alarmed by the rapid escalation of the crisis in Lebanon. We are mobilizing to ensure that Canada is there to bring much-needed assistance to the Lebanese people.”- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Canada continues to be a strong partner to people facing crises like what we’re seeing unfolding in Lebanon. We will continue to work with humanitarian partners to make sure this funding reaches those who are suffering.”- Anita Vandenbeld, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development

“The conflict is taking a terrible toll on people in Lebanon, and it is critical that those who need life-saving assistance receive it as soon as possible. Canada is stepping up to provide urgent relief efforts and will continue to call for the protection of civilians.”- Fayçal El-Khoury, Member of Parliament for Laval-Les Îles, Quebec

“In recent years, Lebanon has endured significant hardships, and throughout these challenging times, Canada has consistently offered its support. This time is no different, and the funding announced today will go toward those who need it the most.” - Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, Nova Scotia

Quick facts

• The funding announced today brings Canada’s total amount of humanitarian assistance funding announced for Lebanon in 2024 to more than $56 million.
• The Canadian Red Cross will allocate its funding to support the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
• The Humanitarian Coalition will disburse its funding among its members—12 of Canada’s leading humanitarian organizations—based on criteria such as capacity and presence in the affected region.
• Canada provides its funding for humanitarian assistance based on need and through experienced and trusted humanitarian organizations that have the necessary operational capacity on the ground to respond.