Today, the government of Canada has announced that it will increase its contribution to the UN’s World Food Programme by an additional $45 million Canadian dollars ($50.5 million US dollars). This announcement comes a day after renewed pleas from the UN for wealthy countries to help offset the increased cost of food for the programme.

Of the $45 million promised, $10 million has been flagged for Haiti, the home country of Canada’s current Governor General - Michaëlle Jean. Haiti is the poorest country in Latin America, followed by Nicaragua. It is unclear if any other countries have received specific funding through today’s announcement.

Back in November 2007, I reported here that Canada was going to donate $4 million to help feed children in Nicaragua through the Canadian CIDA initiative. I wonder if any of the $45 million announced today will go toward increasing the $4 million already pledged?

Technorati Tags: Canada, World Food Programme, Haiti, Latin America

Similar Posts

• Canadian agency donates $4 million to help feed school children in Nicaragua
• Canada is biggest supporter of WFP program in Nicaragua
• Nicaragua signs regional deal to protect food supply
• Costly imports underscores need to help local economy
• Editorial: What does Canada’s $4 million to Nicaragua mean?