The government of Canada has extended USD 71,563 to support the efforts of the government of the Maldives in providing basic services to the homeless and the most vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid and the High Commissioner of Canada to the Maldives David McKinnon signed the contribution agreement at a virtual ceremony held on May 18. The project entitled “Shelter and provision of basic needs for the homeless and vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19 in Male’” will be implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services of the Maldives. The project will directly support 400 vulnerable individuals and will strengthen the capacity of government agencies to provide further assistance.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Foreign Minister Shahid thanked Foreign Minister of Canada François-Philippe Champagne and the International Development Minister of Canada Karina Gould for showing Canada’s extraordinary generosity to the Maldives. He further noted the support came at a time when Canada itself is combatting COVID-19, adding the gesture of goodwill by Canada to the Maldives is yet another example of solidarity that Canada is always known for.
Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon commended the work of the government of the Maldives in supporting the most vulnerable populations especially in the present context of a global pandemic and added Canada is very pleased to be able to support the timely delivery of essential supplies and services to vulnerable communities and individuals in the Maldives.
Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Chief Executive of the National Disaster Management Authority Hisan Hassan, and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in the virtual ceremony, as well as officials from the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.