Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that Canada will offer an additional $25 million to Lebanon to support the country as it recovers from a couple of recent explosions that destroyed large part of Beirut and killed no fewer than 160 people.
The fund will be added to the initial $5 million that was announced recently, totalling $30 million in humanitarian and recovery aid.
In a statement, Trudeau said: “I join Canadians across the country to mourn those who were lost in last Tuesday’s tragic explosion in Beirut, and to offer sincere condolences to their families and friends and they grieve this tragedy.
“Together, we can support the people of Lebanon as they work to heal and rebuild.”
Also, Trudeau urged Canadians to contribute to the Lebanon Matching Fund which will see the federal government equal donations made to the Humanitarian Coalition and its members between August 4 and August 24, 2020.
The recent announcement also saw government jerk up the limit for donations matched to $5 million. The Ministry of International Development disclosed that the initial $2 million limit was realised in less than 48 hours.
Following the announcement, Minister Karina Gould said: “We are ready to do more and we will ensure that our investments go directly to communities affected.”
The initial $5 million aid that was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francois-Philippe Champagne included an initial $1.5 million that was availed to the Lebanon Red Cross to meet urgent needs like food, shelter and emergency medical services.
In a statement, Champagne said: “Canada will be there every step of the way to help the people of Lebanon as they rebuild and to push for much-needed political and economic reforms.”
The funding increase happened hours after the Prime Minister of Lebanon and other cabinet members resigned following public protest over the blasts, which were partially blamed on government corruption.
