Canada Extends over MVR1 Million to the Maldives

Monday 18th of May 2020

Canada Extends over MVR1 Million to the Maldives

The Government of Canada has extended CAD 100,000 or MVR 1 million in support of the Maldives Government’s efforts in providing basic services to the homeless and the most vulnerable communities affected by Covid-19 in Male’, through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. It will directly support 400 vulnerable individuals, and will strengthen the capacity of government agencies to provide further assistance.

On 18th May, the Contribution Agreement was signed virtually by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and the Canadian High Commissioner to the Maldives David. 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.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid thanked Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne and the International Development Minister of Canada, Karina Gould for showing Canada’s extraordinary generosity to the Maldives. He further noted that Canada’s support came at a time when Canada itself is combatting Covid-19 and said, that Canada’s gesture of goodwill to the Maldives “is yet another example of solidarity that Canada is always known for; caring for others, especially the most vulnerable when such care is most needed.”

High Commissioner of Canada, David McKinnon commended the work of the Government of Maldives in supporting the most vulnerable populations especially in the present context of a global pandemic and added that Canada is very pleased to be able to support the timely delivery of essential supplies and services to vulnerable communities and individuals in Maldives.