Notes for remarks by Susan Whelan, Minister for International Cooperation, During a call back with Canadian media
Good afternoon.
Thank you for joining us.
As you know, Canada has earmarked a total of $105.6 million toward humanitarian efforts in Iraq.
These funds are being channelled through my department, the Canadian International Development Agency, or CIDA.
Our support to international agencies working in Iraq is helping to ensure that war-affected Iraqis have access to clean water and proper sanitation, food, and medical assistance.
For example, wheat flour purchased by the World Food Programme with Canada's initial $1 million contribution has been delivered to Iraq.
Our priority is getting basic necessities to the most vulnerable Iraqis, as quickly and as safely as possible.
Official assessments need to be carried out by designated officials to identify pressing humanitarian and reconstruction needs.
Right now there are three areas of concern that we are addressing: making sure that the Iraqi people's basic needs are being met - particularly food, water and health; protecting civilians; and ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.
The Prime Minister just yesterday reiterated Canada's support for humanitarian efforts in the region by announcing that Canada will expand the role of its three CC-130 Hercules aircraft currently in the Gulf region to support immediate humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. Canada is also prepared to make available police, corrections and legal officers, as well as select units of our Disaster Assistance Response Team.
CIDA officials are currently in the region to monitor ongoing activities by our partners, gather up-to-date information on the evolving humanitarian situation, and provide recommendations on future humanitarian support.
They are meeting with Canada's partner organizations on the ground that are working to make sure that the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Iraq is timely, effective, and responds to current needs.
The UN Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq is ensuring that the activities of the UN agencies in the region are well coordinated.
Because the UN has been working closely with Iraqis over the past 12 years, it is uniquely positioned to handle the humanitarian and reconstruction challenges ahead.
Canada and other donor countries in the international community recognize that progress on the humanitarian front depends upon Iraqi ownership in rebuilding their country. Early signs indicate that Iraqis are on board.