Minister of International Development appearance before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on extreme flooding in Pakistan

2022-10-31

Overview

Meeting scenario

• Your in-person, one-hour appearance begins at 3:30 p.m.
• The following officials are accompanying you in-person during the appearance and may be called upon to respond to questions.

Global Affairs Canada

• Christopher MacLennan, Deputy Minister of International Development
• Tara Carney, Acting Director General, International Humanitarian Assistance
• Christopher Gibbins, Executive Director of the Afghanistan and Pakistan Division
• Cam Do, Director General, Innovative and Climate Finance

Motion to appear

That the committee hold at least two meetings on the extreme flooding in Pakistan and what support is needed by the Pakistani people during this time of need distress; and that witnesses include the Minister for International Development, officials from Global Affairs Canada, civil society organizations providing aid on the ground, and other relevant experts; and that the committee report its findings to the House.

Committee context

• After your opening remarks of 5 minutes the committee will move to rounds of questions.

First Round

• Conservative (6 minutes)
• Liberal (6 minutes)
• Bloc Québécois (6 minutes)
• NDP (6 minutes)

Second Round

• Conservative (5 minutes)
• Liberal (5 minutes)
• Bloc Québécois (two and a half (2.5) minutes)
• NDP (two and a half (2.5) minutes)
• Conservative (5 minutes)
• Liberal (5 minutes)

• Any additional rounds of questioning would follow the order and timing of the second round.

Committee membership & interests

• For further information on committee membership, please see the committee bios included in this briefing binder.
• So far, during this 44th Parliament, the committee has studied vaccine equity and intellectual property rights, security at the borders between Azerbaijan and Armenia, referendums in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, the export of Russian Gazprom turbines, the situation at the Russia-Ukraine border and implications for peace and security, and the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
• Committee members’ questions during the 43rd and 44th Parliaments have focused on the following issues:
  • Conservative Members – German energy security, Ukraine, Russian aggression, Crimean Tartars, SWIFT, Haiti, Ethiopia, Canada-China relations, West Bank and Gaza, NATO, COVAX, vaccine equity and intellectual property rights, arms exports to Turkey, Israel (Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions -BDS & antisemitism), humanitarian and development assistance for the Rohingya in Myanmar, UNWRA, Magnitsky sanctions, and detention camps in Syria.
  • On the issue of extreme flooding in Pakistan, MP Genuis has recently spoken up about small and diaspora-led international development organizations that are excluded from the government matching program and where large organizations that have more experience dealing with government are selected for the matching program. He remarked that smaller organizations may have a bigger presence on the ground and may be led by local people and plugged into local communities but lose out on the benefit of the matching dollars and lose out on donations as well due to the lack of the matching program incentive to donate. He was critical that through a government policy, by matching donations to some organizations but not others, the government ends up incentivizing private donors to change their donation behaviour from organizations to which they were previously giving to organizations that are matched. He has, on numerous occasions, implored that the government reconsider this policy.
  • Liberal Members – Russia-Ukraine, Russia’s militarization of Artic and Baltic nations, COVAX, Haiti, Turkey, human rights, France and Islamic terrorism, freedom of expression, Canada-China relations, situation in Xinjiang, human rights (Uighurs), Rohingya, Venezuela, consular cases, rules-based international order, UN, NATO, and OSCE.
  • Bloc Quebecois Member – Canada's access to medicines regime, Canada’s sanctions regime, situation in Haiti, Russia and Belarus, Israel, and France and Islamic terrorism, including freedom of expression.
  • NDP Member – Canada's access to medicines regime, Canada’s sanctions regime, German energy security, Ukraine, COVAX, FIAP, arms exports to Turkey, conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, human rights, and relations with China

Opening Statement

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE)

“Extreme Flooding in Pakistan”

Mr. Chair, members of the Committee, I welcome this opportunity to speak about Canada’s humanitarian response, development efforts and our on- going commitment to the people of Pakistan as they deal with their worst flooding in recent history.

Since mid-June of this year, extreme monsoon rains and flooding have taken a devastating toll on more than 33 million people in Pakistan. This has left over 1,600 dead, including more than 500 children.

The protection of human life and dignity is a fundamental tenet of Canada’s approach in the global community. Our humanitarian efforts are aimed at saving lives and alleviating suffering. That includes maintaining the dignity of people affected by natural disasters.

Canada's early response to this flooding crisis included assistance on the ground in Pakistan through the Canadian Red Cross Society's Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund and by contributions to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.

I am proud of the fact that Canada responded early by announcing an initial tranche of $5 million in humanitarian assistance on 29 August. But Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada remained extremely concerned about the magnitude of this crisis.

That is why, in mid-September, I led a Canadian delegation, including three Members of Parliament, Salma Zahid, Iqra Khalid, and Shafqat Ali, to Pakistan to observe firsthand the humanitarian response underway, and to gain a better understanding of what the people of Pakistan are going through.

I can tell you that large parts of southern Pakistan are still underwater.

Almost 8 million people are now homeless or living in emergency shelters without barely any access to food and clean drinking water.

Hundreds of thousands of homes and infrastructure have been destroyed. Crops, livelihood, and livestock have been destroyed. Food is scarce. Hunger is looming. The need for assistance is dire.

Mr. Chair, members of this committee, while Canada remains committed to fighting climate change, advancing women's empowerment, and promoting regional peace and stability, we also recognize the dire plight of Pakistan.

On October 4, the latest joint Government of Pakistan and United Nations appeal was launched increasing the original appeal figure from USD $160 million to USD $816 million.

Anticipating the scale of needs, on 13 September, Prime Minister Trudeau announced additional Canadian support and increased Canada’s total flood crisis response and recovery assistance to $33 million, including a matching fund of up to $7.5 million with the Humanitarian Coalition.

This enhanced response means Canada will match, dollar for dollar, donations made by individuals to the Humanitarian Coalition up to a maximum of $7.5 million.

Mr. Chair, Canada will continue to work with our partners to provide urgent and lifesaving humanitarian relief on the ground. This includes clean drinking water, medical supplies, food, and other essential services.

Canada has a history of over 70 years of successful development cooperation with Pakistan. In 2020/21, Canada’s overall international assistance to Pakistan was $100.7 million.

Canada’s bilateral development support targets the following priority areas: women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights; girls’ access to education; women’s political participation and economic empowerment; COVID-19 relief, and polio eradication.

Canada remains committed to this humanitarian effort to support the people of Pakistan in the days ahead.

It’s the right thing to do. Thank you

Member Biographies Meeting material

Ali Ehassi
LPC – WILLOWDALE, (ON)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: He is a graduate of the University of Toronto (B.A.), attended the London School of Economics (M.SC.) and received degrees from Osgoode Hall Law School (LL. B) and a masters of international trade and arbitration law from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. (LL.M).
• Law: Worked as a lawyer in the private
• Public Servant: Was a civil servant at the provincial and federal level

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (Innovation and Industry) (2019 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-China Legislative Association (2020 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – 2020); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2017 – 2019)

Committee membership

• Chair: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Liaison Committee (2022 – Present); Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2017 – 2019); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2016 – 2017)

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine:

• Mr. Ehassi is a defender of the Ukrainian cause and does not hesitate to criticize in the House the atrocities committed by Russia and he encourages the measures taken by Canada to help Ukrainian civilians.
• From July 8 to 10, 2022, MP Ehsassi travelled to the Baltics (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) concerning the war in Ukraine. On May 6, 2022, MP Ehsassi travelled to Kyiv alongside an EU parliamentarian delegation.

Iran:

• He has previously been outspoken about Iran and flight PS752, questioning compensation, requesting an assessment on Iran’s draft report and a transparent investigation, and has asked departmental officials if this matter could/should be addressed at the International Court of Justice.

Vaccine Equity and Intellectual Property Rights:

• At the April 25, 2022 FAAE meeting on Vaccine Equity and Intellectual Property Rights, MP Ehsassi pushed back on the opposition assertion that the main issue in COVID-19 vaccine procurement is related to supply, and he questioned the effectiveness of a TRIPS waiver at the WTO.

WTO: COVID-19

• On March 12, 2021, during Question Period, MP Ehsassi rose in the House to deliver the following statement: “It is important for our government that there is a just global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada is a strong proponent of a multilateral rules-based system within the WTO context. We are committed to ensuring strong, resilient global medical supply chains and have reached out to the waiver proponents to better understand their.”

Garnett Genuis
CPC – SHERWOOD PARK – FORT SASKATCHEWAN, (AB)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management with a minor in Economics and a Master's degree in Public Policy and Philosophy
• Policy: Assistant to the Director of Policy at the Office of the Prime Minister (2008 – 2009)
• Management: Executive Director at RETA (2011 – 2012); Vice-President Abingdon Research (2012 – 2015)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (2020 – Present)
• Former Shadow Minister: Multiculturalism (2019 – 2020); International Development & Human Rights (Justice) (2020 – 2021)
• Former Assistant Critic: Justice (Human Rights) (2015 – 2017); Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Religious Freedom) (2015 – 2017)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2017 – 2018/2020 –Present); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2022 – Present)
• Former Vice-Chair: Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to GAC

Russia:

• On June 20, 2022, MP Genuis submitted an Order Paper Question (OPQ) to GAC in order to know the engagement of Canada with the Russia embassy in Ottawa, since February 23, 2022.

Iran: Flight PS752

• During Question Period in October 2022, MP Genuis repeatedly pressed the government to increase sanctions on Iran and to register the IRGC as a terrorist entity.

China:

• During Question Period in October 2022, MP Genuis has repeatedly criticized the fact that China has police stations in Canada to monitor its population.
• On May 12, 2022, he rose in support of MP Chong’s motion to re-establish the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations, in which he said the following: “From its creation, the committee did critical and relevant work.”
• In December 2021, MP Genuis introduced to the House a petition asking Parliament to use Magnitsky sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations in China.

Global Food Insecurity:

• During a House statement on June 16, 2022, MP Genuis stated that Canada needs to focus more on food security and food aid as part of its international development and criticized the fact that Canadian government policy is hurting the agricultural sector and reducing its ability to respond to this global crisis.

Afghanistan:

• On December 21, 2021, MP Genuis presented a petition calling the government to increase its support to the Haraza community in Afghanistan.

Other interests

Trafficking in Human Organs:

• MP Genuis is sponsoring Senator Ataullahjan’s Bill S-223 (trafficking in human organs) in the House of Commons.

Stéphane Bergeron
BQ – MONTARVILLE, (QC)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 1993
• Re-elected: 1997, 2000, 2004, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Politics and International relations and a Master's degree in Politics and International relations.
• Provincial Politics: Member of Quebec's National Assembly for the "Parti Québécois" (2005 – 2018)
• Military: Served in the Canadian Forces as a naval cadet instructor cadre officer (1984 – 1993)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Foreign Affairs) (1996 – 1998/2003 – 2004/2019 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians(2021 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-China Legislative Association(2021 – Present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie(2019 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group(2019 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas(2019 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association(2019 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly(2019 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2019 – Present)
• Former Critic: Finance (International Financial Institutions) (1993 – 1996); Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Foreign Affairs) (1996 – 1998); Government House Leader (Parliamentary Affairs) (1997 – 2001); Industry (Science, Research and Development) (2001 – 2002); Privy Council Office (Intergovernmental Affairs) (2004 – 2005/2019 – 2021); National Revenue (Single Tax Return) (2019 – 2021)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (2020 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (2020 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2021 – Present)

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine:

• At a FAAE meeting in May 2022, MP Bergeron was critical of the government for not providing a timeline for the reopening of the embassy in Kyiv, and the government’s lack of transparency in its security assessments.
• On March 29th, 2022, MP Bergeron spoke critically of the government’s proposed plan for Ukrainian refugees who seek to come to Canada, and the lack of assurance that health care coverage would be provided.

Afghanistan:

• During an opposition day on December 7, 2021, regarding the creation of a Special Committee on Afghanistan (AFGH), MP Bergeron rose to criticize the government on calling an election as the situation in Kabul was escalating. During this debate, he also linked escalation by Russia at the Ukraine border to Afghanistan as “countries who do not share Canada’s values taking advantage of the coalition’s supposed weakness to impose their views.”

China:

• The majority of MP Bergeron’s statements have been related to China, including the eight-month vacancy of Canada’s Ambassadorship and the related impact on the bilateral relationship.
• He frequently raised concern regarding the possible invasion of Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China.
• He is also very critical of Huawei's implementation of 5G in Canada, which he sees as a potential tool used by China for espionage.

Human Rights: Saudi Arabia

• In Question Period, MP Bergeron has focused on human rights, asking “What will it take for the government to take action and finally get Raif Badawi released?” He followed this question by stating: “it is scandalous that Raif Badawi is languishing in prison after seven years without having committed any crime. If the government can sit down with Saudi Arabia at the G20, if it can sit down with Saudi Arabia to do business and sell the country weapons, then it can certainly sit down with Saudi Arabia to demand the release of Raif Badawi.”

Rachel Bendayan
LPC – OUTREMONT (QC)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in International Development Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Law
• Law: was a lawyer with Norton Rose Canada in Montreal in the fields of litigation and international arbitration, specializing in international trade law (2007 – 2015)
• Teaching: While in private practice, Bendayan also taught at the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Law (2010 – 2015)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance (Industry/Finance) (2021 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade (Industry/Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development) (2019 – 2021)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Special Joint Committee on the Declaration of Emergency (2022 – Present)
• Former Member: Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (2021) Standing Committee on International Trade (2020 – 2021); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020); Standing Committee on Finance (2019); Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2019)

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine:

• In a statement to the House in June 2022, MP Bendayan showed her support for the Ukrainian people and criticized the Conservatives for wanting to remove economic sanctions against Russia on certain products in the agricultural sector.

China: Human Rights

• On May 12, 2022, MP Bendayan spoke in the House against the CPC opposition motion for the reestablishment of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations, which she characterised as “inappropriate”.
• During the May 5th, 2022 FAAE session on Tibet, MP Bendayan spoke to China’s “coercive labour” practices against the Tibetan people, and the “colonial boarding schools” meant to deny children access to their culture, language, religion, and families.

Canada’s Supply Chains:

• In committee meeting in May 2021, MP Bendayan has stressed the importance of protecting Canada’s supply chains in international trade agreements. She also gave a speech on vaccine access where she stated: “The pandemic is not over anywhere until it is over everywhere.”

Trade: United States

• In the past (October 2020), MP Bendayan has mentioned her concern about the decision of the United States to investigate the export of blueberries and stated her party will advocate for exporters. She has expressed interest in tariffs, exports, and bilateral trade, with the United States.

Michael D. Chong
CPC – WELLINGTON – HALTON HILLS (ON)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2004
• Re-elected: 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy
• Advisor: Senior advisor at Greater Toronto Airports Authority (2001 – 2004); Analyst at BZW (Barclays de Zoete Wedd) (1994 – 1997); Assistant to the President at the Canadian Tire Financial Services (1992 – 1994)
• IT: Head of IT at Mackie Research Capital (1997 – 1999)
• History: Member Board Of Directors at Historica Canada (1997 – Present)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Shadow Minister: Foreign Affairs (2020 – Present)
• Former Shadow Minister: Infrastructure, Communities and Urban Affairs (2017 – 2018); Science (Industry) (2018 – 2019); Democratic Institutions (2019 – 2020)
• Former Assistant Critic: Environment (2015 – 2016)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Official Languages (2011 – 2015); Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2010 – 2011); Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2009)
• Former Vice-Chair Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – 2021); Special Committee on Afghanistan (2021 – 2022)

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine:

• During a House statement in July 2022, MP Chong call on the government to implement strong measures to counter Russia’s aggression and to strengthen the security of Canada and its allies. He also mention that Canada need to continue to advocate for policies that strengthen our relationship with our allies like Germany, so they are less reliant on Russian natural gas.

Iran: Flight PS752

• During Question Period in October 2022, MP Chong repeatedly pressed the government to increase sanctions on Iran and to register the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
• On January 8, 2022, MP Chong released a statement accusing the Trudeau government of “failing to take serious action against the Iranian regime for the downing of Flight PS752.”

China: Human Rights

• During Question Period in October 2022, MP Chong has repeatedly criticized the fact that China has police stations in Canada to monitor its population.
• At the May 5, 2022 FAAE session on Tibet, MP Chong pointed to the sanctions imposed on Chinese officials for their human rights abuses/violations against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang, questioned their effectiveness, and whether sanctions should be imposed for similar abuses in Tibet.

Afghanistan:

• During the CPC Opposition Day on December 7, 2021, MP Chong characterized Canada’s withdrawal as “a betrayal of the legacy of the hundreds of thousands of soldiers of the NATO alliance who fought in the war in Afghanistan for freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”

Dave Epp
CPC – CHATHAM-KENT-LEAMINGTON (ON)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• Business: He learned the business from the ground up, moving from warehouse to office - eventually opening a business of his own.[2] He was co-owner and co-managed Axxess Furniture Inc., an Edmonton-based furniture distribution business, for 12 years
• Recognition: His work on community boards earned him both an Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), and a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2021-present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2022-present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2021-Present); Canada- Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2022-present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2022-present); Canada- Italy Interparliamentary Group (2022-present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022-present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblee parlementaire de la Francophonie (2022-present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2022-present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2021-present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2022-present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2021- present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2021-present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2021-2022).

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022-present, 2020,)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2020-2022); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine: Fertilizer Tariffs

• On June 21st, 2022, Epp showed a great interest in the commercial exchanges between Canada and Ukraine especially on the modernization of the commercial agreement between Ukraine and Canada.

Global Food Insecurity

• On June 21st, 2022, Epp showed a great interest in Canadian grain, energy, expertise in food production given the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• He has also shown great interest at AGRI regarding the fertilizer tariffs

Other interests

He has jointly seconded the following Bills:

• C-280  Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act
• C-234  An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act

Hedy Fry
LPC – VANCOUVER CENTRE (BC)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 1993
• Re-elected: 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: PhD in Medicine
• Medicine: Family Physician (1970 – 1993); President of the BC Medical Association (1990 – 1991)
• Media: Doctor columnist at CBC Television (1985 – 1988)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Director: Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2017 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2005 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2004 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2005 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2011 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter- Parliamentary Association (2009 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2004 – Present); Canadian Delegation Organization for Security/Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2009 – Present)
• Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (2004 – 2006); Human Resources and Skills Development with special emphasis on the Internationally Trained Workers Initiative (2004 – 2006); Citizenship and Immigration with special emphasis on Foreign Credentials (2003 – 2004); Multiculturalism & Status of Women (1996 – 2002); National Health and Welfare (Health) (1993 – 1996)
• Former Critic: Canadian Heritage (2006 – 2009); Health (2011 – 2015)

Committee membership

• Chair: Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2016 – 2018/2021 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – Present); Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (2021 – Present); Liaison Committee (2021 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Health (2011 – 2015)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

• On May 12, 2022, MP Fry tweeted “China surrounds Taiwan with war ships and war planes - Says its ‘just drills’ where have we heard that before?”, regarding the PLA Air Force violation of Taiwan’s ADIZ.

Vaccine Equity and Intellectual Property Rights:

• During the April 25, 2022 FAAE meeting on Vaccine Equity and Intellectual Property Rights, MP Fry focused extensively on the proposed TRIPS waiver at the WTO, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, gender equity in vaccine uptake and educating those who are vaccine hesitant.

Ukraine:

• Her comments regarding Ukraine often focus on the protection of democracy, given her role in the Canadian Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

Women:

• At a FAAE meeting in June 2021, MP Fry questioned what officials will be doing to protect women and girls’ sexual and reproductive rights, specifically when they are fleeing their countries (and at high risk of being abused).
• MP Fry regularly rose in the House to speak on female genital mutilation (FGM) calling the government engage with other nations, donors, UN organizations and civil society to take action to eliminate FGM globally. For her to end FGM governments need to act with legislation to protect the human rights of women and girls, with policies that empower them.

Randy Hoback
CPC – PRINCE ALBERT (SK)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2008
• Re-elected: 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Certificate in Business Administration
• Business background: District Sales Manager Southern Alberta at Flexicoil (1990 – 1993); International Marketing Manager Western Europe at CNH Industrial (1996 – 1999); President Hoback Enterprises inc. (1985 – 2005); Chairman at the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association (2003 – 2005)
• Government: Parliamentary Secretary assistant (Agriculture) to David Anderson under Minister Chuck Strahl

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (2019 – Present); Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Canada-U.S. Relations) (2016 – 2017)
• Member: Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2011 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2009 – Present); Canada-China Legislative Association (2008 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2008 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2009 – 2013/2022 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2009 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2009 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2008 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2008 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2008 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2008 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2009 – Present)

Committee membership

• Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on International Trade (2015 – 2019/2021 – 2022)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present); Standing Committee on International Trade (2011 – 2022); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2011 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on International Trade (2013 – 2015)

Points of interest to GAC

ASEAN, India:

• In June 2022, Hoback has tweeted about the urgent need for permanent trade agreements with ASEAN, India.

Agricultural Sector:

• At CIIT meetings, Mr. Hoback has a particular interest in protecting the interests of the agricultural sector in Canada.

U.K.'s accession into CPTPP:

• During a CIIT meeting in May 2022, Mr. Hoback want assurances from the department that they will not approve U.K.'s accession into CPTPP until Canada have a bilateral agreement with the UK in place at this point in time.

Canadian Natural Gas:

• Mr. Hoback promotes the exploitation of Canadian natural gas to replace Europe's independence from Russian gas.

Critical of progressive trade objectives:

• Hoback is generally skeptical about the effectiveness of progressive trade objectives in trade agreements.

Softwood lumber:

• At CIIT meetings, Mr. Hoback regularly asks questions regarding the protection of the softwood lumber industry.

Ukraine:

• Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Hoback has repeatedly spoken out at CIIT meetings in support of Canada's support for the supply of arms and equipment to Ukraine, as well as the trade issues posed by the conflict between Canada and Ukraine.

Heather McPherson
NDP – RIDING (PR)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and teaching (English Major) and a Master's degree in Theoretical, Culture and International Studies in Education.
• Cooperation: Volunteer Team Leader Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (2001 – 2003); Program Officer at the Canada World Youth (2003 – 2007); Executive Director Alberta Council for Global Cooperation (2008 – 2019)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (2019 – Present)
• Deputy Whip of the N.D.P. (2021 – Present)
• Deputy Critic: Canadian Heritage (2021 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2019 – 2021); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2019 – 2021); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2019 – 2021); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2019 – 2021)
• Former N.D.P. Deputy House Leader (2019 – 2021)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to GAC

Nord Stream 1 Gas Turbine:

• During a House statement on behalf of the NDP in June 2022, MP McPherson strongly criticized the government's decision to allow the Nord Stream 1 turbines to be sent to Germany and returned to Russia and urge the Liberal government to reverse this decision.

Russia/Ukraine:

• At the May 3, 2022 SDIR session MP McPherson has been very critical of the Russian government and their alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine, which she has characterized as such.

Afghanistan: Women/Girl

• MP McPherson has been a strong voice on Afghanistan, especially on women and girls in the region. She tweeted on December 16, 2021: “I am completely devastated by this news. A 10-year-old girl, a child, died because her family supported the Canadian military and Canada did not protect them. The Liberals have failed this girl, this family, and all the Afghans who have been abandoned.”

Development:

• MP McPherson has also repeatedly raised Canada’s official development assistance at both FAAE and SDIR. For example, at the November 26, 2020 SDIR meeting, she stated that “Canada has not played a strong enough role in development” and asked witnesses to speak to the importance of humanitarian aid.

Vaccine Equity and Intellectual Property Rights:

• During the April 25, 2022 FAAE meeting on Vaccine Equity and Intellectual Property Rights, MP McPherson was very critical of AstraZeneca and Pfizer for their COVID-19 vaccine procurement practices and asked “when will it be enough money for you” that vaccines could be provided without cost and pointed to Pfizer’s $37 billion profit for their COVID-19 vaccine.

Robert Oliphant
LPC – DON VALLEY WEST (ON)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2008
• Re-elected: 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Trade, Master's degree in Theology and a PhD Theological
• Religion: Minister at the Quyon United Church (1984 – 1986); Associate Minister at the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church (1984 – 1986); Interim Senior Minister at the Bloor Street United Church (1991 – 1993); Minister at the Whitehorse United Church (1991 – 1993); Minister at the Eglinton St. George's United Church (1999 – 2008)
• Management: President and CEO at the Asthma Society of Canada (2011 – 2015)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Foreign Affairs (2019 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – Present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canada- France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2020 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canada-United States Inter- Parliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2015 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2015 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2016 – Present)
• Former Critic: Citizenship and Immigration (Multiculturalism) (2010 – 2011); Veterans Affairs (2009 – 2010)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2019 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship (2022 – Present)
• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2017 – 2019); Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2016 – 2017)
• Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2009 – 2010)

Points of interest to GAC

China:

• At FAAE on May 5, 2022, PS Oliphant voted in favour of MP Chong’s motion regarding the Sino-Tibetan dialogue, that Canada should support the facilitation of negotiations between the People’s Republic of China and the Central Tibetan Administration, while adding an amendment to “[enable] Tibet to exercise genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese”.

Ukraine:

• During a FAAE meeting in May 2022, PS Oliphant strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling it ”barbaric” and stated that Canada will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

Afghanistan:

• On January 1, 2021, PS Oliphant tweeted: “Canada and Canadians cannot and will not abandon the Afghan people. Despite the tremendous challenges on the ground, we continue to get humanitarian assistance through using trusted multilateral partners.”

Nuclear Disarmament:

• In a Global Affairs Canada news release from January 6, 2021, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant reaffirmed support for advancing non-proliferation and disarmament during the third meeting of foreign ministers of the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament.

Canada’s Foreign Policy Model :

• PS Oliphant frequently defends Canada’s foreign policy model, stating it “is based on renewing a rules-based international order that Canadians have built together, protecting universal human rights, supporting democracies,” and noting “We are a leader in the world on critical issues, whether it is in Venezuela, or in the Middle East or in China, all around the world. We will continue to stand with our allies, with NATO partners, as we continue to ensure Canada's leadership is strong and heard in our world with allies and like-minded who work with us.”

Other interests

Disabilities and the LGBTQ+ Community :

• He has been vocal on issues of support for people living with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and encouraging multiculturalism.

Randeep Sarai
LPC – SURREY CENTRE (BC)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2015
• Re-elected: 2019, 2021

Professional background

• Bucket 1: Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government and a Bachelor's degree in Law
• Law: Lawyer at Sarai & Associates (2002 – 2005); Lawyer at TDS Lawyers (2014 – 2015)
• Administration: Officer at Alpenglow Development (2005 – 2009); Vice President - Loan Remediation at Sprott Resource Lending (2008 – 2011); Principal of the Sarai Group of Companies (2006 – Present)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Nil.

Committee membership

• Chair: Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2021 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2021 – Present); Liaison Committee (2021 – Present); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on International Trade (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2016 – 2019)

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine: Human Rights

• At SDIR on May 3, 2022, MP Sarai underlined the “egregious” and “appalling” human rights violations in Ukraine, including “war crimes and crimes against humanity that were being committed by Russian forces against civilians”.

China: Human Rights

• At FAAE on March 28, 2022, MP Sarai questioned departmental officials on the upcoming trip by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, to China and her expected report on the current human rights situation in Xinjiang.

Vaccine Equity and Intellectual Property Rights :

• During the April 25, 2022 FAAE meeting on Vaccine Equity and Intellectual Property Rights, MP Sarai questioned the effectiveness of a TRIPS waiver at the WTO, given there is insufficient manufacturing capacity for a waiver to be practical.
• MP Sarai has raised multiple time the issue regarding the inequities of vaccination and the socioeconomic impact that vaccine inequality presents worldwide.

Organ Trafficking:

• MP Sarai made statements regarding international organ trafficking, voicing his support for Bill S-204, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs) during its second reading.

Other interests

Climate Change:

• MP Sarai frequently raised concerns about climate change, and the need for more sustainable and green processes.

Sameer Zuberi
LPC – PIERREFONDS – DOLLARD (QC)

Election to the house of commons

• First elected: 2019
• Re-elected: 2021

Professional background

• Studies: Bachelor's degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics and a Bachelor's degree in Law
• Law: Legal Researcher at Law Office Montreal (2010 – 2012)
• Administration: Diversity & Engagement Officer at the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University (2016 – 2019)
• Military: Reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves (1997 – 2002)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Nil.

Committee membership

• Chair: Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present)
• Vice-Chair: Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2022 – Present); Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2020 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2021 – 2022); Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2021); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2020 – 2021); Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2020 – 2021)

Points of interest to GAC

Ukraine:

• On March 24, 2022, at a FAAE meeting, MP Zuberi asked whether Canada is working with our allies to create an off- ramp for Vladimir Putin that allows him to save face to end the conflict.
• On May 6, 2022, MP Zuberi met with Canada’s Ambassador to the UN to discuss the human rights situation in Ukraine.

Russia:

• On Twitter, MP Zuberi has condemned Russian action to silence independent journalism within the country.
• At SDIR’s last meeting, MP Zuberi asked witnesses to provide examples of Russia’s violations of international obligations and human rights abuses.

China: Uyghurs

• MP Zuberi repeatedly condemned China's actions against the Uyghur minority at FAAE meetings and supported the use of Magnitsky sanctions to target those responsible for these crimes.

Other interests

Diversity and Inclusion:

• MP Zuberi is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion and is very vocal about it in his statement to House and during his various appearances in committees.

Meeting material

Humanitarian situation and Canada's response to 2022 floods in Pakistan

• We are deeply concerned over the recent flooding in Pakistan and its impacts on vulnerable populations.
• We are committed to supporting the response. To date, we have announced more than $33 million in humanitarian and development assistance funding.
• We commend the work of organizations responding to the crisis and continue to engage with them on how best to support vulnerable populations affected by the floods.

Supplementary messages

• Floods resulting from monsoon rains began in mid-June and continue to have a sizeable impact in Pakistan.
• In response to the flooding, the UN issued a Flash Appeal, requesting USD 816 million to assist 9.5 million people.
• Beyond financial support to partners, Canada is also responding using various tools in its disaster response toolkit, including the deployment of humanitarian experts and the mobilization of in-kind assistance.
• Prior to the flooding, Canada allocated $6.9 million of humanitarian assistance funding in Pakistan.

Supporting facts and figures

• Heavy monsoon rainfall and floods have affected some 33 million people in Pakistan since mid-June.
• Overall, 20.6 million people are estimated to require humanitarian assistance between August to May 2023.
• On August 29, 2022, Canada announced an initial $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding to respond to the floods in Pakistan.
• Recognizing the scale of needs, Canada subsequently launched a $3 million Matching Fund and announced $25 million of additional humanitarian and development assistance on September 13, 2022.
• Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, the Matching Fund was later increased to $7.5 million total (funding to come from that previously announced envelope).

Background

Rapid assessments conducted by government authorities and humanitarian agencies have identified priority humanitarian needs as food assistance, emergency shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services and healthcare.

Recognizing the urgency of the needs, Canada quickly announced an initial response of $5 million in humanitarian assistance programming. Specific allocations include: $2 million to Islamic Relief Canada, $1 million to Action Against Hunger Canada (ACF), $1 million World Food Programme (WFP) and $1 million International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) via the Canadian Red Cross.

Agreements for these projects are largely in place and disbursements are underway.

On September 13, 2022, Canada announced that it will provide an additional $14 million in humanitarian assistance and $14 million in development assistance. This announced humanitarian assistance includes a $7.5 million humanitarian matching fund, where Canada will match the donations of individuals for the flood response to Humanitarian Coalition members between August 1 and September 28, 2022. The remainder of allocations will respond to needs outlined in the humanitarian appeal.

The announced funding complements other support from Canada’s natural disaster response toolkit, which includes:

• Deployment of a humanitarian expert to Pakistan through Canada’s Deployment of Humanitarian Experts (DoHE) project with the CRCS.
• Deployment of 4,000 jerry cans from Canada’s humanitarian stockpile in Dubai, using the air bridge organized by the UAE.
• $50,000 through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan’s relief efforts.
• $20,000 allocated to the IFRC relief operation in Pakistan through ongoing funding by Global Affairs Canada to the Canadian Red Cross Society’s Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund (EDAF).
• USD 10 million released by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), to which Canada is a donor, to address floods in Pakistan.
• USD 10 million released by the World Health Organization’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE), to which Canada is a donor, to respond to health needs deriving from the floods.

Canada's international assistance to Pakistan

• Canada has a history of over 70 years of successful development cooperation with Pakistan.
• The scale of the flood damage compels Canada to do our part, along with the international community, to respond to both immediate and long-term impacts.
• Canada’s total announced flood crisis response and recovery assistance is $33 million, including a matching fund of up to $7.5 million.
• Canada’s existing development assistance to Pakistan, $24 million annually, supports women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights; girls’ access to education; women’s political participation and economic empowerment; and polio eradication.

Supplementary messages

• The flood crisis has affected 33 million people; taken 1,600 lives and threatens hundreds of thousands in Pakistan.
• The revised (4 October) Pakistan flood appeal is now USD $816 million, to respond to lifesaving needs of the people of Pakistan.
• The most urgent requirements identified are health, food security and rehabilitation.

Supporting facts and figures

• The floods have caused an estimated $10 billion in damage since mid-June.
• Pakistan already had the 9th largest food crisis globally, with food insecurity impacting 20-30% of the total population.
• It has the world’s second-highest number of children out of school. Around 22.8 million children between 5 to 16 years of age are out of school.
• The country ranks 145^th of 146 countries in the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report (World Economic Forum), with 18% of women marrying before the age of eighteen and 4% before the age of fifteen.
• Pakistan is one of two countries in the world where polio remains endemic. There is a polio outbreak in North Waziristan, Pakistan with 17 new cases reported.

Background

The floods have exacerbated pre-existing development challenges, including fragility, poverty, a weak health system and food insecurity, limited access to education for girls, gender-based violence and humanitarian needs. Pakistan’s economy was struggling due to an ongoing balance-of-payments crisis, surging inflation, political uncertainty, the on-going pandemic and the fallout from the war in Ukraine.

Even prior to these major crises, Pakistan faced deeply rooted development challenges. It has some of the lowest human, social and gender development indicators in Asia. While strong economic growth since 1991 has reduced overall poverty, particularly in rural areas, poverty remains pervasive.

In 2020/21, Canada’s overall development assistance to Pakistan was $100.7 million, of which $68.29 million was disbursed via Global Affairs Canada. The adverse impacts of the pandemic and now the flood crisis – including the diversion and interruption of regular education and health services (e.g. maternal and reproductive health care), reduced livelihoods, and the disproportionate socio-economic impacts on women and girls – risk reversing the gains attained through Canada’s over 70 plus years of development assistance to Pakistan.

Pakistan is home to approximately 3 million registered and unregistered Afghan refugees, many of whom have been in Pakistan for decades. Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, it is estimated that at least 300,000 more Afghans of varying status, mainly refugees, have crossed into Pakistan. This places additional pressure on services in a context where host communities and overcrowded camps already face strained resources. Unregistered Afghans are less likely to receive assistance distributed through the Government of Pakistan’s flood response activities.

Pakistan and Climate Change

• Pakistan is one of the top ten countries most impacted by climate change and is at significant risk of extreme weather events, as demonstrated by the devastation caused by recent monsoon rains and flooding.
• Canada has long supported environmental and climate change programs in Pakistan, and this support will continue as we work with Pakistan and others to address the climate crisis.
• Canada is making significant investments in climate change adaptation and mitigation at home and abroad.

Supplementary messages

• In response to the current flooding crisis in Pakistan, Canada has announced $33 million to date in support of flood crisis relief and recovery. This includes $7.5 million towards a matching fund.
• Through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Canada is also providing $50,000 to hard hit areas in northern Pakistan where Canada has been active and $20,000 towards relief through the Canadian Red Cross Society’s Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund.

Supporting facts and figures

• In 2023, the Canadian High Commission to Pakistan’s winter sports program will bring together communities through sports to also discuss environmental protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and building back better.
• Canada is providing technical assistance to Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change by supporting the drafting of a policy paper on mainstreaming gender in Pakistan’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
• Pakistan is eligible for various Government of Canada climate financing projects. For example, Canada provided $275 million to the World Bank to establish the Energy Transition program to co-finance projects supporting transitioning from coal to low-carbon alternatives and grid modernization. Pakistan is eligible for this program.

Background

Pakistan has directly linked the severity of the recent monsoon rains and flooding to climate change, [REDACTED] shouldering the brunt of the global climate crisis. As such, Pakistan believes richer countries with higher emissions have a duty to support. It is true that Pakistan is not a major global polluter and climate change has increased the intensity of natural disasters, [REDACTED] have also exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. Infrastructure was not built to withstand extreme weather, and deforestation has meant fewer bulwarks against floodwaters. Poor drainage systems and unregulated construction in flood zones have resulted in property damage and greater risk to people and their livelihoods.

That said, the current crisis in Pakistan makes clear there is a real need to focus on climate change adaptation to build resilience across the country. Temperatures in Pakistan are expected to rise quicker than the global average, rainfall is predicted to have greater variability, and coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels. Pakistan is considered a “high-stress” country for water availability as Pakistan’s largest source of freshwater, the Himalayan glaciers, recede. Pakistan’s largely agrarian economy is also at risk as agricultural activity is supported almost entirely by a single water- source. Agricultural productivity is expected to decrease between 8-10% by 2040, posing serious challenges for long-term food security. Pakistan’s already severe malnutrition rates coupled with climate induced food insecurity could have a huge impact on human security.

Canada-Pakistan bilateral relations

• Canada and Pakistan enjoy a strong and multifaceted bilateral relationship, underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties going back to 1947.
• As we mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Canada seeks to expand bilateral relations with Pakistan.
• Areas of priority for continued collaboration include tackling pressing global issues, such as the climate crisis and economic recovery from COVID-19, and enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

Supplementary messages

• Canada is grateful for Pakistan’s support in securing the safe passage of Canadians and immigration clients from Afghanistan for resettlement in Canada. To date, we have resettled 5,100 vulnerable Afghans through Pakistan.

Supporting facts and figures

• There has been significant high-level engagement with Pakistan over the last few months.
• Minister Sajjan visited Pakistan from September 12 to 14, 2022 to show solidarity with the country as it faces catastrophic flooding. To date, Canada has announced $33 million in international assistance for flood relief and recovery in Pakistan.
• Minister Joly held an introductory call with Foreign Minister (FM) Bhutto Zardari on August 17, 2022, and participated in an event of “Young Foreign Ministers” on “Political Participation and Leadership,” hosted by FM Bhutto Zardari on the margins of the UN General Assembly on September 20.
• Minister Ng had a brief pull-aside with FM Bhutto Zardari on the margins of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Cambodia on August 5, 2022.
• In 2021, Pakistan was Canada's 37th-largest export destination for merchandise, with Canada-Pakistan bilateral trade totalling $1.2 billion.
• There are well over 200,000 people of Pakistani origin in Canada.

Background

Seventy-five years of Canada-Pakistan diplomatic relations are underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties; Pakistan is the fifth largest source of immigrants to Canada, and Canada hosts approximately 4,000 Pakistani post-secondary students per year [REDACTED], Canada maintains a constructive relationship with Pakistan. Both countries have committed to working together on common interests, such as addressing climate change, strengthening trade and investment relations, and advancing gender equality. Pakistan is an important partner for Canada in South Asia, in particular with regards to the crisis in Afghanistan (and the Government of Canada’s commitment to resettle 40,000 Afghan refugees to Canada), Pakistan’s inclusion in the proposed Indo-Pacific Strategy, and Canadian company Barrick Gold’s March 2022 agreement with Pakistan to re-launch the Reko Diq mine, one of the world’s largest copper-gold deposits. Bilateral engagement is often [REDACTED], such as the situation in Afghanistan and [REDACTED].

Safe Passage – Afghanistan Crisis

• Canada has committed to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by 2024.
• Canada’s engagement with Pakistan includes a focus on the safe passage of Canadians and vulnerable Afghans out of Afghanistan, through Pakistan, and onward to Canada.
• The most difficult hurdles in getting people out of Afghanistan remain the lack of safe, secure and reliable routes out of the country, the absence of stable conditions, and ever-changing circumstances around what entry and exit documentation is required at check-points and international crossings into third-countries.

Supporting facts and figures

• As of October 1, Canada has resettled a little over 21,000 Afghan refugees.
• The Government of Canada’s commitment to welcoming at least 40,000 Afghans by 2024 is the largest program for Afghan refugees, second only to that of the United States, which has committed to resettle 95,000 Afghans.

Background

• On July 23, 2021, IRCC-GAC-DND Ministers publicly announced Special Immigration Measures (SIMs) for locally engaged staff at the Embassy of Canada to Afghanistan and for individuals who had a significant and/or enduring relationship to the Government of Canada, including their family members.
• There are still many Afghans who have not been able to travel to Canada under the special immigration program, including some who may have had a relationship with the Government of Canada. IRCC continues to process accepted applications as quickly as possible.
• Canada does not recognize and has no formal diplomatic relationship with the Taliban. However, Canada’s Senior Official for Afghanistan (SOFA), based in Doha, Qatar, regularly engages with Taliban officials, in coordination with a group of likeminded, on issues relating to safe passage and other Canadian interests in Afghanistan.
• Canada’s engagement with Pakistan includes a focus on the safe passage of vulnerable Afghans out of Afghanistan, through Pakistan, and onward to Canada. Overall, the Government of Pakistan has been supportive and has played a key role in these efforts.
• Canada continues to work with a wide range of partners, including likeminded countries, private sector service providers, and non-governmental organizations, to address shared challenges related to safe passage.

Canada's international assistance to Afghanistan

• Canada remains committed to Afghanistan and the Afghan people and we will continue to do all we can to support them.
• Canadian and international aid helped a generation of Afghans advance their human rights, participate in a more inclusive society, and achieve a higher standard of living, with reduced infant mortality, extended life expectancy, and millions of children, especially girls, attending school.
• Despite the current restrictive environment, Canada will work to address significant needs in Afghanistan and the region and preserve the gains achieved.

Supplementary messages

• In 2022, Canada has allocated $143 million in humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.
• Canada is working with donors to find solutions for delivering essential basic services, including through the World Bank’s Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, the Asian Development Bank, and other partner organizations able to deliver those services.
• Canada strongly supports coordinated efforts by the international community insisting that the Taliban de facto authorities respect and uphold human rights, in particular, the full rights of women and girls.

Supporting facts and figures

• Since 2001, Canada has provided nearly $3.9 billion in aid to Afghanistan, towards priority areas of education, reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, polio eradication, women and girls’ rights and empowerment, and peace and security.
• Canada has long been one of the top 10 donors to Afghanistan.
• Prior to August 2021, bilateral development assistance to Afghanistan had an annual reference level of $90 million, making it one of Canada’s largest bilateral programs.

Background

Canada has allocated $143 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the Afghanistan crisis in 2022. Canada is working through trusted humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies both in Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries to respond to significant needs across all sectors.

Canada is deeply concerned by the multiple and grave violations of human rights carried out by the Taliban regime. At every opportunity, Canada calls on the Taliban to uphold its international human rights obligations. Canada engages the Taliban informally through the Senior Official for Afghanistan in Doha.

Canada has committed to resettling up to 40,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees, including Afghan women leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, persecuted religious and ethnic minorities, LGBTI individuals, and immediate family members of those currently in Canada through humanitarian programs. Canada engages with regional and likeminded governments on this front; for example, Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad has maintained an active and constructive dialogue with the Government of Pakistan since the beginning of the crisis. As a result of this cooperation, as well as engagement with NGOs and private sector service providers, more than 20,000 refugees have been resettled in Canada to date.

Implications of Sanctions and Criminal Code Listings: The Taliban is a listed terrorist entity in Canada’s Criminal Code. The takeover of the Government of Afghanistan has made it more complex to carry out international assistance and other activities in the country without risk of contravening the Criminal Code. There is no mechanism to provide exemptions under current Canadian law. Canada is unique in its level of constraint and is actively exploring solutions in order to be able to provide assistance to vulnerable Afghans, while balancing safeguards against terrorist financing.

COVID-19 Health in Pakistan

• Canada is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and stands in solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against the pandemic.
• Pakistan continues to experience waves of COVID-19 driven by Omicron variants. The official positivity rate and case numbers in Pakistan appear to be holding steady, however COVID-19 testing has significantly decreased across the country.
• As Pakistan responds to subsequent waves of COVID-19, the adverse impacts of the pandemic -- including the diversion and interruption of regular health services (e.g. maternal and reproductive health care), reduced livelihoods, and the disproportionate socio-economic impacts on women and girls -- risk reversing the gains attained through Canada’s development assistance to Pakistan.

Supplementary messages

• Canada is committed to supporting equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines and has provided substantial funding to the COVAX Facility and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) in support of this.
• As part of Pakistan’s COVID-19 response, polio eradication infrastructure is being used to support surveillance.
• Canada remains a longstanding and leading member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which works to support polio eradication efforts globally, with a particular focus on the last two remaining wild poliovirus endemic countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Supporting facts and figures

• As of October 5, 2022, Pakistan recorded over 1.5 million COVID-19 cases and 30,619 deaths.
• As of August 17, 2022, Pakistan had received over 291 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines comprised of Chinese vaccines (Sinopharm, Sinovac, CanSino); donations through the COVAX mechanism (Astra Zeneca; Pfizer, Moderna); Russian Sputnik vaccine; and locally produced PakVac/CanSino.
• Vaccine rollout remains steady, with over 296 million vaccine doses administered as of October 5, 2022 (of a total population of more than 225+ million).
• 87% of total population over 12 years old are deemed fully vaccinated.
• Pakistan reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case on December 13, 2021.
• As of September 23, 2022, a total of 760,449 out of 1,468,522 (52%) of registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan are deemed to be fully vaccinated.

Background

Amid the COVID-19 situation, Pakistan is struggling to protect macroeconomic progress and livelihoods, while limiting the spread of the virus. The pandemic is exacerbating existing challenges, including fragility, poverty, weak health systems, food insecurity and malnutrition, access to education for girls, gender-based violence and humanitarian needs.

Pakistan is one of the countries benefiting from the COVAX Facility, a global pooled procurement mechanism for COVID-19 vaccines that is designed to foster equitable vaccine access and help end the acute phase of the pandemic. Canada has contributed $580 million to COVAX to date, including $110 million for in-country delivery, distribution and to operationalize the dose sharing mechanism.

On April 23, 2020, the Government of Pakistan launched Pakistan’s global COVID-19 appeal, seeking joint-donor funding in the amount of USD $595 million. In response, Canada provided CAD $850,000 in June 2020 to support WHO’s operations in the country. Canada also contributed $1 million in 2020 to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ Pakistan Humanitarian Pooled Fund.

Canada is also supporting COVID-19 relief response in Pakistan through existing development projects. Canada’s total bilateral development support provided in 2021/22 was close to $24 million.

Additional Background Material

News Releases detailing Canada's Response

Canada announces $5 million in funding for humanitarian assistance in response to flooding in Pakistan

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

August 29, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Pakistan has experienced heavy monsoon rains and floods since mid-June, causing the deaths of over 1,000 people and affecting the lives of 33 million people across the country. To support the international response to this emergency, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today announced $5 million in funding for humanitarian assistance.

Canada’s support will help scale-up the humanitarian response to provide critical emergency assistance, including food and cash assistance for the most severely affected people. The funding will support the work of trusted and experienced partners on the ground.

The funding announced today is in addition to Canada’s existing support provided through the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund and its contributions to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund.

Over the past 3 months, Pakistan has experienced 375.4 mm of rainfall, nearly 3 times higher than the country’s average amount. As heavy rains have continued over the past 2 weeks, flooding and landslides have caused massive displacement, damage and devastation.

Canada will continue to work with its partners on the ground to provide food, clean water and essential services. Canada stands with the people of Pakistan as they respond to impacts of the flooding; Canada continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure it is able to support the emergency response.

Quotes

“Millions of people are being impacted by the terrible flooding in Pakistan and the world needs to be there to support them. Canada will be there to support the people of Pakistan in the days and weeks ahead as they respond to these devastating floods. This is part of our initial response to support the emergency humanitarian needs, and we will continue to look at ways we can support those affected during these difficult times.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

Quick facts

• Today’s announcement is in addition to continual funding provided by Global Affairs Canada to the Canadian Red Cross Society’s Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund, which has allocated support to the relief operation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in Pakistan. The Pakistan Red Crescent Society will use funds for water, sanitation and hygiene services and cash assistance.
• On August 19, Canada contributed to the initial funding of US$3 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, which will be used for health, nutrition, food security and water and sanitation services in flood-affected areas.

Contacts

Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaDev
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Canada announces matching fund and additional international assistance for Pakistan

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

September 13, 2022 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

Pakistan has experienced its worst flooding in recent history, and Canada will continue to be there to help the people of Pakistan by supporting the humanitarian response to the crisis, as well as longer-term development needs.

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Government of Canada will match donations to the Humanitarian Coalition in response to the flooding in Pakistan. Every donation made by individuals to the Humanitarian Coalition and its members until September 28, 2022, will be matched, up to a maximum of $3 million.

The funds, raised through the generosity of Canadians, will help the Humanitarian Coalition and its members deliver life-saving services, such as emergency food and nutrition assistance and emergency cash and vouchers, as well as necessary water, sanitation and health services.

Prime Minister Trudeau also announced that Canada will allocate an additional $25 million of funding in response to the impact of flooding in Pakistan, and to support development projects in the country.

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, is concluding a visit to Pakistan where he observed the humanitarian response underway firsthand, gaining a better understanding of what the people of Pakistan are going through.

The Minister was accompanied on his trip by Iqra Khalid, Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Erin Mills, Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre, and Shafqat Ali, Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre.

Minister Sajjan announced a $20 million contribution to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), via the World Health Organization and UNICEF, to support polio eradication efforts in Pakistan. This contribution is part of Canada's ongoing $190 million commitment to the GPEI.

Pakistan has experienced heavy monsoon rains and flooding since mid-June, causing the deaths of more than 1,300 people and affecting the lives of 33 million across the country. More than 6 million people are estimated to be in need of assistance. Hundreds of thousands of houses have been destroyed. Livelihoods, livestock and crops are also being severely affected.

Quotes

"Canadians believe in helping others in times of crisis. This is why the Government of Canada is joining with Canadians in supporting Canada's partners on the ground in Pakistan that are providing urgent, life-saving assistance in response to this devastating flood. We cannot forget the people of Pakistan, especially the women and girls who have been disproportionately affected. We continue to look at other ways we can continue to assist those impacted by this tragedy."

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

Quick facts

• Canada's Humanitarian Coalition brings together leading humanitarian organizations to offer Canadians a simple and effective way to help during international humanitarian disasters.
• The Humanitarian Coalition's members are Action Against Hunger Canada, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, CARE Canada, Doctors of the World Canada, Humanity & Inclusion Canada, Islamic Relief Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Québec, Plan International Canada, Save the Children Canada and World Vision Canada.
• Working with the Canadian Red Cross, Canada is also sending relief supplies via the air bridge organized by the United Arab Emirates. These supplies will include 4,000 jerry cans for household water collection and storage.
• Canada has a longstanding partnership with the GPEI. When the GPEI started in 1988, polio paralysed more than 1000 children worldwide every day. Since then, more than 2.5 billion children have been immunized against polio thanks to the cooperation of more than 200 countries and 20 million volunteers.
• Canada's commitment to the GPEI will be critical in assisting Pakistan in reducing the risk of polio transmission. This support will be timely given the higher risk of transmission of the waterborne illness due to the impact of the catastrophic flooding.
• In addition to today's announcement, on August 29, 2022, Canada announced $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding to respond to the floods in Pakistan. This allocation will support the emergency operations of Islamic Relief Canada, Action Against Hunger Canada, the World Food Programme and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies via the Canadian Red Cross. In total, including today's announcement, Canada is providing $33 million in assistance towards the flood response and longer-term recovery in Pakistan.
• Canada has also supported the provision of relief items, the deployment of an expert from the Canadian Red Cross, and has provided funding through the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund, as well as contributions through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund and the World Health Organization Contingency Fund for Emergencies.

Related products

• Canada announces $5 million in funding for humanitarian assistance in response to flooding in Pakistan

Associated links

• Canada's response to the flooding in Pakistan
• Humanitarian Coalition
• Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund

Contacts

Haley Hodgson Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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Pakistan 2010 Flood Response

Humanitarian Situation

• Over the course of the 2010 monsoon season, Pakistan experienced the worst floods in its history to that point.
• 20 million people were affected, mainly across the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. The floods also affected people in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pakistan-Administered- Kashmir.
• More than 1700 people died, more than 7 million were left homeless and at least 1.8 million homes were destroyed. Over 2.4 million hectares of standing crops were submerged, and 450,000 heads of livestock lost, crippling the country’s "bread basket".

International appeals

• The initial Pakistan Floods Emergency Response Plan sought US $459 million to respond to the immediate relief needs of flood-affected people.
• The UN Appeal for humanitarian assistance was revised to add early recovery activities as well. Appealing for a total of US $2.4 billion to respond to needs in Pakistan in 2010.
• Approximately US $1.7B (68%) of requested funds were received.
• Information on the results of international relief efforts, as well as maps of the affected areas and partners who worked in each are can be found at: The Pakistan Floods 2010 One Year On - Pakistan | ReliefWeb

Canadian Humanitarian Response

• Canada provided $71.8 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the 2010 flooding in Pakistan.
• Of this, $46.8 million was linked through the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund launched to engage and mobilize Canadian giving. To note, this matching fund was undertaken using the original uncapped model, where donations to any charitable organization collecting for relief efforts was counted and the Government’s matched donations by allocating an equal amount to humanitarian organizations of its choice.
• Programing details of Canada’s humanitarian response are below.

Pakistan Floods 2010: Summary of IHA Programming by Channel and Organization