On February 1st in Parliament, the NDP asked the right question about funding for Palestinian refugees. The new Liberal government dodged the question.
Ms. Hélène Laverdière (Laurier—Sainte-Marie, NDP): Mr. Speaker, in 2013, the Conservative government completely cut off Canadian aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. This agency provides humanitarian aid to some of the most vulnerable people in the world. For example, it helps keep thousands of young Palestinians in school. Will the minister restore Canadian aid to this relief agency or not? Ms. Karina Gould (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her excellent question. Of course, our government shares the concern about the plight of many people around the world who are suffering, and humanitarian crises have increased dramatically over the past decade. The minister is currently in the region at the moment to look at how we can better assist those who need it, particularly when we are talking about refugees in Syria and Jordan, and we are committed to re-engaging with the region. As our Prime Minister said, we are back, we are here to help, and we are looking for new opportunities. https://openparliament.ca/debates/2016/2/1/helene-laverdiere-1/ |
Canada and the Middle East 
