Canada Reaffirms Support for Palestinian Reform
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today provided details of Canadian contributions to Palestinian reform efforts.
"Canada is pleased to reaffirm its commitment to support the Palestinian Authority and the peace process," said Minister Emerson. "This is evident in our $300-million contribution over five years to assist with reform and development in the security sector and to help build prosperity for the Palestinian people."
"Canada’s contribution to the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan reflects the progress being made by the Palestinian Authority, as reported by the World Bank in their review of the Authority’s accountability framework," said Minister Oda. "Canada’s continuing support will also meet the basic needs of Palestinian refugees in providing emergency food aid and basic health care."
Canada is contributing $15 million to the World Bank’s Palestinian Reform and Development Plan Trust Fund to help the Palestinian Authority meet its budgetary requirements.
Canada is providing $15.8 million to a range of United Nations programs, including for emergency food aid, employment and health care. Canada is also providing assistance to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza.
Canada is a strong supporter of Palestinian security system reform, particularly through our contribution to the mission of Lt. General Keith Dayton, the U.S. security coordinator, and to the European Union Police Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support.
Canada will also contribute to the reform of the Palestinian Authority, notably in the justice sector, by constructing court houses and forensics laboratories and by assisting in the training of judges and corrections service workers.
On June 24, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Deepak Obhrai will represent the Government of Canada at the Berlin Conference in Support of Palestinian Civil Security and the Rule of Law. Parliamentary Secretary Obhrai will underscore Canada’s commitment to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a democratic Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
613-992-7332
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
<http://www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx> www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Joanna Bailey
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
819-953-6534
<mailto:info@acdi-cida.gc.ca> info@acdi-cida.gc.ca