ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—The Canadian government has announced a donation of $358 million to Iraq to help deal with the humanitarian crisis caused by large scale displacements and assist the government and army in their push for the city of Mosul. “Canada’s assistance will help meet the urgent health, shelter, protection, education and food needs of hundreds of thousands of affected civilians,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie at a conference Tuesday. Canada’s latest pledge is part of a $1.6 billion commitment to Iraq following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement in February. “Our assistance will also support organizations responding to incidents of violence and sexual abuse, particularly against women and girls, who have been disproportionately affected by the current crisis,” minister Bibeau said. The Canadian donation comes as representatives of 24 countries are meeting in the US where Washington hopes to raise at least $2 billion to help Iraq deal with its humanitarian crisis. Donations made at the conference will also be aimed at preparing for a wave of refugees out of Mosul when the final offensive by coalition and Iraqi forces begins to retake the city from its Islamic State (ISIS) rulers. Around $150 million of the Canadian contribution will be allocated for people affected by the conflict and their basic needs. $4million will be given to the United Nations development program to help Iraqis return to their liberated areas, along with $4million for clearing former ISIS-held towns of explosives and mines. “Canada commends the Iraqi people for their courage and resilience in the face of conflict. Along with our Iraqi and international partners, we are committed to helping Iraqis meet their basic needs, return to their homes and start rebuilding a stable, democratic and inclusive country,” said Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the Canadian government, $200 million of the donation will go to the World Bank to help Iraq’s economic reform program.
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