Canada’s $300 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinians now under review

OTTAWA – The Harper government has decided to formally review whether to end hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in response to their increased recognition at the United Nations.

That was the outcome of a 90-minute meeting in Ottawa involving Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, International Co-operation Minister Julian Fantino and four envoys who were called home for talks.

Canada strongly opposed the Palestinians’ successful effort last week to win elevated status at the UN, so Baird recalled senior diplomats from Israel, the West Bank and the UN missions in New York and Geneva to discuss a response.

A spokesman for Baird says the current funding will remain in place, but that Fantino will review the path forward once it runs out.

Canada’s five-year, $300-million commitment formally expires at the end of the current fiscal year in March.

The money goes towards strengthening the Palestinian justice system, private sector economic development, and health and education assistance.