Jordan Daily - Canada announced nearly C$80 million in international assistance for Lebanon and Jordan on Monday, as Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai wrapped up a visit focused on humanitarian relief, refugee support and economic opportunities.
Sarai met senior officials in both countries and visited communities affected by conflict and displacement, including Syrian refugees in Lebanon and refugees at Zaatari camp, Canadian Embassy said in a statement.
The funding would address urgent humanitarian needs while supporting food security, human rights and inclusive economic growth.
Randeep Sarai said “Throughout my trip, I’ve witnessed first-hand the challenges facing the region, as well as the resilience and determination of people navigating conflict, displacement and economic hardship. Canada remains committed to working with Lebanon and Jordan to support humanitarian needs, strengthen communities and advance lasting stability, security and opportunity.”
In Lebanon, Sarai met President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri to discuss humanitarian response and recovery, regional security, economic development and legislative reforms.
He also visited the southern city of Tyre, where he met displaced families at a shelter supported by U.N. Women, and travelled to the Bekaa Valley to meet Syrian refugees.
His itinerary included a visit to a women-owned dairy business supported by Canadian funding, as well as a facility providing psychosocial support and other services to people affected by conflict.
At a Lebanese Red Cross emergency response centre, Sarai highlighted the risks faced by humanitarian workers and called for their protection and respect for international humanitarian law.
In Jordan, , Secretary of State Sarai met with Zeina Toukan, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation; Ambassador Dhaifallah Ali Al-Fayez, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates; and His Royal Highness Prince Rashid bin El Hassan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization.
He also visited a childcare nursery supported through Canadian funding and a World Food Programme logistics warehouse handling aid shipments to Gaza and Lebanon.
The warehouse visit underscored the need to open all crossings into Gaza and ensure humanitarian aid can be delivered rapidly and without obstruction, the statement noted.
Sarai also met Palestinians evacuated from Gaza and their families receiving medical care in Jordan, and visited Zaatari, one of the world's largest camps for Syrian refugees.
Canada said it had provided C$40.3 million in humanitarian assistance in 2026 for people affected by conflict and displacement in Lebanon. It has also committed more than C$14 million this year for Jordan’s refugee response and its response to the crisis in Palestine.
