While hundreds of thousands of Canadians turn to food banks and many more grapple with insolvency, newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney — who has not yet been elected as an MP — has pledged nearly $100 million in humanitarian and governance support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Parliament is currently suspended under Carney.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced the aid package on Thursday, just days before Carney is expected to call a snap election, likely scheduling the vote for April 28.
Poverty in Gaza and the West Bank are extreme due to ongoing conflict.
In Gaza, nearly 100% of the population lives in poverty, driven by an 86% GDP contraction in Q1 2024, the destruction of 82% of businesses, and the decimation of 80–96% of agricultural assets by early 2024, according to UN and World Bank reports.
The aid package designates $45 million for urgent needs in Gaza — healthcare, food, and shelter — where a fragile ceasefire with Israel has recently broken down, sparking renewed violence.
An additional $30 million will support recovery and governance efforts in the West Bank, which is facing escalating conflict and displacement, while $25 million is aimed at security measures, including landmine clearance.
The funding will be channelled through established partners like the United Nations, World Bank, and Red Cross.
"We must respond to the dire needs in Gaza and the West Bank," said Joly during the announcement. "The situation is not sustainable."
She highlighted Canada’s call for Israel to remove obstacles to humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, a position reinforced by Carney in Edmonton on Thursday when he said, "Canada will stand up for peace and stability, at home and abroad."
The announcement’s timing has drawn mixed responses. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh welcomed the aid but called for stronger measures.
"It’s a step, but we need a ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel."
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, however, condemned it as a political tactic.
"This is a desperate election ploy, not a plan for peace," he said.
