QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Aid to Afghanistan
June 10, 2026
Senator Moreau, in 2023, I spoke to Bill C-41, a bill designed to enable Canadian humanitarian aid to flow to the people of Afghanistan through a humanitarian exemption. Of the UN-estimated $1.71 billion in humanitarian aid required for Afghanistan this year, only 16% has been secured.
At the same time, there’s an ongoing lack of clarity and transparency in the implementation of Canada’s Bill C-41’s humanitarian exemption, including the authorization regime under section 83.03 of the Criminal Code. As a result, Canadian charities have limited their life-saving work, funds and support only to areas that would not attract attention under 83.03, leaving many Afghans unserved.
Senator Moreau, how much money has flowed to Afghanistan from Canadian organizations since Bill C-41? What is the government doing to remedy the obstacles to delivery they are experiencing?
Thank you for the question. The federal government provided $3 million in September 2025 to support emergency relief efforts through trusted partners active in the region; $1.3 million to the World Food Programme to scale up its ongoing response, including the provision of food and logistical services; $1 million to the international committee of the Red Cross, allocated for a rapid-response project to support conflict-affected communities impacted by the earthquake; and, through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund and the Islamic Relief Canada, $350,000 each for emergency shelters, essential non‑food items and health services.
The government works with partners already on the ground to ensure the aid is effectively distributed according to local needs and that all aid goes directly to those most vulnerable.
Yes, I hear that, but there are some obstacles to the delivery of aid, and some of the humanitarian organizations are limiting geographic areas and groups they will serve with their aid because of a chilling effect from our law. It’s not flowing as smoothly as it should be. What is the government doing about those obstacles?
First, as I mentioned, we’re working with partners that are already on the ground to ensure the aid is effectively distributed. There are many obstacles, as you mentioned, but that’s the way. Canada also contributes to other international funds that have directed their operation to Afghanistan in accordance with the most urgent needs worldwide, and they’re doing whatever they can to make sure that the aid is going to those in need.
