Canada Increases its Humanitarian Response Funding to Bangladesh Following Cyclone Sidr

Ottawa - The Minister of International Cooperation, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, announced today that the Government of Canada was increasing its humanitarian response funding to Bangladesh to help populations affected by Cyclone Sidr. Canada, which was already among the 6 largest donor countries in response to this disaster, will now contribute over $4.2 million to organizations providing assistance on the ground.

"Cyclone Sidr affected over 8 million people in Bangladesh, took over 3000 lives and destroyed over 500,000 houses", said Minister Oda. "Canada was among the first to respond to that tragedy and we will continue to work with other donors and aid agencies to determine how best we can contribute to reconstruction requirements in the context of Canada's development program in Bangladesh".

Canada's funding will be distributed among the following aid agencies:

• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ($1 million)
• Oxfam Canada ($250,000)
• Save the Children ($250,000)
• World Vision ($250,000)
• United Nations' World Food Program ($2 million)
• International Development and Relief Foundation ($193,000)
• Care Canada ($250,000)
• Canada Fund for Local Initiatives ($100,000)

Bangladesh is an important development partner for Canada. As the second largest Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) bilateral program in Asia, it is investing more than $59 million this year to address the challenges of sustainable development and poverty alleviation through support for social development, governance and private sector development.


Information:
Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca