19.3°C Vancouver

May 11, 2022 3:41 PM - THE CANADIAN PRESS

Canada pledges $229 million to help victims of Syria conflict, refugees

Share On

Canada is giving $229 million in aid for Syria and neighbouring nations hosting refugees from the war-torn state.

The aid package includes $169 million for food, clean water and hygiene and health services, as well as support for women facing sexual and domestic violence.

International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan announced the funding as Canada takes part in an international conference in Brussels on finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria.

The conflict, which has been waging for more than 10 years, followed a violent crackdown by the Assad regime on pro-democracy demonstrations in 2011, which escalated into civil war.

The aid package will also help Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, where many Syrian refugees have fled President Bashar Assad's Moscow-backed regime. Canada's aid is to be funnelled through the United Nations and international aid agencies, including the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and not through Assad's regime, a spokesman for Sajjan said.

Canada has earmarked $60 million for development assistance, focusing on "empowering women and girls" and advancing gender equality, and social services supports for women.

Latest news

CanadaJul 27, 2026

Etobicoke Uber driver charged after alleged sexual assaults in Burlington

Halton Regional Police have arrested a 25-year-old Etobicoke man in connection with two alleged sexual assaults involving the same woman in Burlington. Police identified the accused as Mandeep Singh and said he was working as an Uber driver at the time of the incident. According to Halton Regional Police, the incident occurred at about 5:15 p.m. on June 16 near the south parking lot of the Burlington GO Station. Investigators allege Singh approached the woman and began speaking with her before sexually assaulting her. Police further allege that after the woman left the area, the accused follow
IndiaJul 27, 2026

Punjab sanitation workers end strike after agreement with government

Sanitation workers in Punjab have announced an end to their strike after reaching an agreement with the Punjab government over their long-pending demands. The decision follows a series of measures announced by the state government, including a substantial increase in monthly wages for sanitation employees. According to the Punjab government, sanitation workers who were previously receiving a monthly salary of ₹10,500 will now receive ₹20,500. The revised wages will be paid from Aug. 1 to sanitation workers and sewermen employed on a contractual basis. The government also announced the form
gunfire-damages-u-s-consulate-building-in-toronto
CanadaJul 27, 2026

Gunfire damages U.S. Consulate building in Toronto

The U.S. Consulate at the intersection of University Avenue and Armoury Street in downtown Toronto was struck by gunfire early Monday morning, according to Toronto Police. No injuries were reported. Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said the shooting occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m. while police officers were already present in the area. Investigators confirmed that at least one bullet struck the front of the consulate building. Police said the suspect fled the scene in a white Honda Accord sedan without licence plates. Officers briefly pursued the vehicle but discontinued the chase out of concern
BCJul 27, 2026

Man dies after police-involved shooting in Abbotsford

A man has died following a police-involved shooting in Abbotsford early Monday morning, according to the Abbotsford Police Department. Sgt. Paul Walker said the incident occurred at the Petro-Pass truck stop in the Matsqui Place area near the Trans-Canada Highway. Police said the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle after officers discharged their firearms. The vehicle was later located several kilometres away near 272 Street and 30 Avenue in the Aldergrove area, where the man was found dead inside. According to Abbotsford Police, the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO)
pear-lake-and-fifteenmile-creek-wildfires-merge-as-evacuation-orders-expand-near-clinton-b-c
BCJul 27, 2026

Pear Lake and Fifteenmile Creek wildfires merge as evacuation orders expand near Clinton, B.C.

Two major wildfires burning near Clinton, B.C. have merged, increasing the combined fire area to approximately 670 square kilometres, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Officials say the merged Pear Lake and Fifteenmile Creek wildfires have damaged homes and other structures on the outskirts of the Clinton community. The full extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed. BC Wildfire Service Fire Information Officer Shae Stearns said firefighters continue working to protect homes in Clinton as crews respond to the fast-moving wildfire. Residents of Clinton were placed under an evacuation

Related News