March, 29, 2023

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A2

Honourable Minister, Harjit S. Sajjan
Minister of International Development of Canada

Re: Canadian relief organizations urge the government to expand and accelerate earthquake relief to Türkiye and Syria.

Dear Prime Minister and Minister of International Development,

The full scope of the devastation caused by the earthquakes in southern and central Türkiye and northern and western Syria has been difficult for the international community to fully comprehend.

Canadians have shown their solidarity with the victims by donating generously to the many fundraising campaigns being held across the country. Our organizations have been assisting with rescue efforts and providing aid to survivors throughout this ordeal. The massive destruction caused by the catastrophic earthquakes and the lasting effects on the victims’ mental, physical, and financial well-being mean that the road to recovery will be long, expensive, and difficult.

The lack of shelter and basic services has a cumulative effect on the lives and well-being of the affected populations, and the extremely cold weather and damaged vital infrastructure in the region only make matters worse every day. Some of the most vulnerable people on Earth live in the affected area, particularly in Syria, where civil war has raged for years.

Even though we appreciate Ottawa’s initial efforts, we believe Canada can and should do more.

Canada’s government needs to take additional action immediately. An increase in the government’s promised aid to Turkey and Syria is urgently needed.

We expect our government to do more, as it has done so many times before when our country has responded courageously to international crises.

Sincerely,

Action for Humanity | Anatolia Islamic Centre | Hands for Charity

Human Concern International | International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF)

Islamic Relief Canada | ISNA Canada | Muslim Association of Canada

Penny Appeal Canada | Refugee Girls Worldwide