Prime Minister Stephen Harper announces Humanitarian Aid for Libya

March 02, 2011

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada is delivering up to $5 million in humanitarian aid to support the Libyan people.

“Canada is acting swiftly to help meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Libya which are a result of recent violence in that country,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “We are taking action to provide immediate humanitarian support to areas that need it most.”

Since February 16, the Libyan regime's response to the popular uprising has resulted in the death of hundreds of people.  In addition, tens of thousands of people are now fleeing the violence, crossing into Tunisia and Egypt; many more are unable to leave their homes and villages.

Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will help to address urgent medical requirements, basic humanitarian needs, and the repatriation of people displaced into Tunisia and Egypt.

Canada's help will include improving access to food, water, sanitation, shelter and emergency medical care.

The initial contribution being announced today will support humanitarian efforts through the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of the Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration.

The development assistance being announced today is one of several measures that our Government is taking, in concert with the international community, to help address the current crisis in Libya.