Canada provides humanitarian assistance in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

Powerful earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria on Monday, causing the death of thousands of people and destroying homes, roads, health facilities and other critical infrastructure. To support the international response to this emergency, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced that Canada is providing $10 million in humanitarian assistance. This contribution will help support emergency medical services and provide shelter, food and other essential items.

In addition, Canada has allocated approximately $50 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria for 2023. Many Canadian-funded partners have already initiated emergency response activities in Syria, including the distribution of food by the World Food Programme, fuel for emergency heating by NGOs and UN agencies and tents, tarps and other shelter-related items by the UN Refugee Agency.

Canada continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with humanitarian partners to assess and respond to evolving needs.