Canada has announced $7 million in humanitarian aid for Caribbean nations devastated by Hurricane Melissa, with the government also prepared to deploy soldiers if requested. The Category 5 storm, which made landfall earlier in the week, has caused extensive damage in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, resulting in dozens of deaths, widespread power outages, and severe infrastructure destruction.
Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai emphasized that Canada’s support goes beyond words, pledging continued assistance to help rebuild stronger and more resilient communities. Of the total funding, $5 million will support emergency response agencies and health providers, while $2 million will go to the World Food Programme to assist with food distribution in Jamaica.
Sarai confirmed that no Canadians have been reported missing or dead and said that Canada is ready to deploy relief supplies from its emergency stockpile through the Red Cross if requested by affected countries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand noted that while no formal request for military assistance has been made, Canada remains on standby to provide further support. She underscored that the government’s immediate priority is ensuring that aid reaches affected communities quickly and effectively.
Ottawa’s ongoing engagement with the Caribbean includes funding programs focused on disaster preparedness and emergency logistics. Canada is also contributing to a broader international effort to reform global financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF, aiming to help vulnerable nations finance climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthen long-term recovery capacity.
