Canada has issued a set of decisions reflecting a political openness towards the new Syrian administration.
According to a statement from Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen on Wednesday, March 12, Canada has appointed its ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, as a non-resident ambassador to Syria.
The statement noted that Canada’s restoration of its diplomatic presence in Syria would contribute to enhancing communication with regional and international actors, including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other diplomatic missions, to support peace and political stability in the country and beyond.
Canada issued a public statement under the Special Economic Measures Regulations that temporarily allows any person in Canada and Canadians outside Canada to engage in a limited set of activities and transactions to support democratic transition, stability, and humanitarian aid delivery to Syria, which would otherwise be prohibited under the Special Economic Measures Regulations.
Canada will ease sanctions to allow the transfer of funds through certain banks, such as the Central Bank of Syria (CBS), considering that these sanctions were used as a tool against the Assad regime, and their easing will help enable stable and sustainable aid delivery and support local redevelopment efforts contributing to Syria’s rapid recovery.
The Canadian International Development Minister also announced new funding of $84 million for humanitarian assistance in response to the crisis in Syria, to support experienced humanitarian partners in delivering life-saving assistance, including food, protection services, sanitation and hygiene services, and health services.
The statement condemned the violence witnessed in Syria in recent days and called on the Syrian authorities to take all necessary measures to end the violence, protect civilians, uphold the dignity and rights of religious and ethnic communities, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Canada reiterated its commitment to support a peaceful and inclusive political transition led by Syrians, reflecting the country’s ethnic and religious diversity, urging all parties to prioritize efforts toward de-escalation, national reconciliation, and preventing the country from slipping into fragmentation and violence.
Canada’s special envoy to Syria, Omar Alghabra, stated that Canada can play an effective role in empowering Syrians to build an inclusive state that respects all its citizens, while also assisting in preventing Syria from falling into chaos and instability, considering that this statement is a response to the needs of Syrians and the Syrian civil society.
On February 13, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he would send a special envoy to Syria as part of the effort to assist the Syrian people.
Trudeau confirmed during a phone call with transitional Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that Canada supports the Syrian people to achieve progress and stability and enhance security in Syria, reiterating efforts to lift economic sanctions on Syria.