Canada appoints non-resident ambassador, pledges $84 million in aid to Syria

According to a statement released on Wednesday, March 12, by Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, Canada has appointed Stefanie McCollum, the Ambassador to Lebanon, as the non-resident ambassador to Syria.

The statement noted that re-establishing Canada’s diplomatic presence in Syria would contribute to enhancing communication with regional and international actors, including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other diplomatic missions, to support peace and political stability in the country and beyond.

Under the Special Economic Measures Regulations, Canada issued a public statement temporarily allowing any person in Canada and Canadians outside Canada to engage in a limited set of activities and transactions that would otherwise be prohibited under the Special Economic Measures Regulations, in order to support democratic transition, stability, and humanitarian aid delivery in Syria.

Considering that these sanctions are used as “a tool against the Assad regime” and that their easing will help with “stable and sustainable aid delivery” and support local redevelopment efforts contributing to Syria’s rapid recovery, Canada will ease sanctions to allow fund transfers through certain banks, such as the Central Bank of Syria (CBS).

The Canadian Minister of International Development also announced a new fund of $84 million in humanitarian aid in response to the crisis in Syria, which will support experienced humanitarian partners in delivering life-saving assistance, including food, protection services, sanitation and hygiene services, and health services.

The statement condemned the recent violent incidents on the Syrian coast and called on the Syrian authorities to “end the violence, protect civilians, respect the dignity and rights of religious and ethnic communities, and take all necessary measures to hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Reiterating its commitment to supporting a peaceful and inclusive political transition led by Syrians and reflecting the country’s ethnic and religious diversity, Canada called on all parties to de-escalate tensions, prioritize national reconciliation, and prevent the country from sliding into fragmentation and violence.

Canada’s Special Envoy to Syria, Omar Alghabra, considering that this statement is a response to the needs of the Syrian people and Syrian civil society, argued that Canada could play an active role in empowering Syrians to “build an inclusive state that respects all its citizens” while also helping to prevent Syria from sliding into chaos and instability.

On February 13, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he would send a special envoy to Syria as part of efforts to help the Syrian people.

In a phone call with Syria’s “interim President” Abu Muhammad al-Golani (Ahmed al-Shara), Trudeau confirmed Canada’s support for the Syrian people in “achieving progress and stability and enhancing security” in Syria and reiterated his efforts to lift economic sanctions against Syria.