Etobikoke — Millions of Somalis are living in crisis due to prolonged conflict and widespread food insecurity, resulting in acute malnutrition and displacement. Today, following a townhall held to discuss the current challenges in Somalia, Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, announced on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, further life-saving assistance in response to humanitarian appeals for the people of Somalia.

Ottawa, Ontario — Emergency relief items will be provided to approximately 6,000 vulnerable people who have fled the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan and been displaced in eastern Chad, announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation.

"Canada is a compassionate neighbour and is reacting quickly to help alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict," said Minister Fantino. "Through Canada's humanitarian assistance, we are ensuring that the most critical needs of those displaced are being met."

Kingston, Ontario — Children and youth with disabilities in Bangladesh will have better access to education, health, employment, and community activities thanks to a partnership between the Harper Government and Queen's University. Today, Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds–Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, announced support for the Access to Health and Education for all Children and Youth with Disabilities (AHEAD) project.

Ottawa, Canada — Today, to mark International Midwives Day, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, announced two new initiatives to support the profession of midwifery as practised by certified midwives, and to promote safe maternity care in communities in South Sudan.

Ottawa, Ontario — Canada is supporting the International Red Cross Movement in providing immediate lifesaving assistance in support of people affected by the earthquake in China's Sichuan province, announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation.

"Canada's humanitarian assistance is helping to address the immediate needs of people suffering from the earthquake in China," said Minister Fantino. "Canadians have strong people-to-people ties with China. This assistance represents our goodwill during these challenging times in Sichuan province."

Vancouver (Colombie-Britannique) — Permettre aux personnes, en particulier les femmes et les filles, d'avoir un meilleur accès à un enseignement de qualité et à des possibilités de formation professionnelle est une grande priorité pour le Canada. L'honorable Julian Fantino, ministre de la Coopération internationale, a réaffirmé aujourd'hui l'appui du Canada à l'égard du Commonwealth of Learning, un organisme qui aide les pays en développement du Commonwealth à élargir leur accès à un apprentissage à l'aide d'approches à distance et axées sur la technologie.

Halifax, Nova Scotia — Lifesaving health services to mothers and newborns will be provided to isolated communities in Afghanistan thanks to an investment by the Harper Government. The Honourable Senator Donald H. Oliver, on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that Canada will support the creation of 49 family health houses in Afghanistan.

Ottawa — Les gens doivent jouir d’une bonne santé pour réaliser leur plein potentiel : les enfants assimilent mieux ce qu’on leur enseigne, les travailleurs sont plus productifs et, à long terme, les gens sont mieux à même de contribuer à la croissance économique durable de leurs collectivités et de leurs pays.

Ottawa — Immediate, life-saving assistance will reach approximately 11,000 people affected by flooding in the Caprivi region of Namibia because Canada is a caring neighbour, announced the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation. Canada is providing support for water and sanitation, as well as shelter and basic household items for displaced populations.