CANADA CONTRIBUTES $1 MILLION TO UN REFUGEE AGENCY
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, welcomed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, on an official visit to Canada from November 1 to 4, 2006. During the visit, Canada’s New Government announced that it will be contributing $1 million to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist with the implementation of the Mexico Plan of Action, which proposes concrete actions for the regional resettlement of refugees.
“The UNHCR is a key partner with Canada in responding to global humanitarian crises,” said Minister MacKay. “Canada is a committed advocate for the protection of more than 20 million refugees and other persons forcibly displaced by conflicts worldwide, and we will continue to support effective international efforts to meet their needs.”
“Working with the UNHCR, Canada is helping to address the most basic needs of these children, women and men by ensuring that they have access to the necessities of life, such as shelter, health care, sanitation facilities, education, physical safety and protection,” said the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages. “This year, through the Canadian International Development Agency, Canada has provided over $30 million to support this vital work.”
Canada’s contribution to the UNHCR supports lasting solutions for refugees, whether by helping them to return to their home countries, to integrate locally into the country of first asylum or to resettle elsewhere.
“Canadians have a long and proud tradition of coming to the aid of refugees. The resettlement of hundreds of thousands of refugees in Canada is a testament to this commitment,” said the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “The $1 million contribution of Canada’s New Government to the UNHCR and the Mexico Plan of Action will go far to help refugees receive the care and protection they need.”
During his visit, the High Commissioner met with Minister MacKay, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, Minister Solberg and Minister Verner. He also appeared before a joint session of the Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs and International Development and on Citizenship and Immigration.
