PRESS RELEASES

August 15th, 2008

For Immediate Release

Canadian Somali Congress meets with Defence Minister Peter MacKay and applauds Government of Canada announcement regarding Canadian naval escort for aid ships off Somalia’s coast

Members of the Canadian Somali Congress and representatives from the Canadian Somali media recently met Defence Minister Peter MacKay in Toronto.   Minister MacKay elaborated on the Canadian government’s commitment to provide protection from pirate attacks for ships carrying food and other supplies through the waters off Somalia.   The Minister spoke of the urgent need for food and other humanitarian supplies in Somalia and indicated that Canada had made this commitment in response to a request from the United Nations Secretary General and NATO.   Minister MacKay informed the meeting that Canada is the third largest contributor to the World Food Programme and that Canadians have been contacting his office to express their support to this worthwhile humanitarian effort.   The Minister spoke about the history of Canada as a non-imperial and non-colonial power and he emphasized that this history enables it to be trusted as a genuine provider of relief to the suffering peoples of the world.   Minister MacKay expressed regret over the effect that the death of the Somali national Shidane Arone had on the image of the Canadian military in Somalia.   He stated that one of the ways for the two peoples to move beyond this incident is for Canada to assist Somalia in its reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.  

Canadian Somali Congress honourary patron Mark Persaud spoke after the Minister’s remarks.   He thanked the Minister for making the announcement and meeting with the Canadian Somali community and media.   Canadian Somali Congress President Ahmed Hussen thanked the Minister for taking this important step in engaging Somalia.   Mr. Hussen made a request on behalf of the delegation for Canada to extend its commitment to escort the aid ships beyond the month of September.   Mr. Hussen informed Minister MacKay that the Canadian-Somali community can play a constructive role in the affairs of Somalia by contributing its knowledge to the Canadian government.   This knowledge will assist the Canadian government to engage with the people of Somalia in a way that is most helpful to their needs while at the same time raising Canada’s profile in that country.   In pursuit of that goal, Mr. Hussen asked the Minister for a subsequent meeting with the Canadian Somali Congress where community representatives will be able to present to the Minister innovative ways for Canada to engage with Somalia.   This includes reinforcing the peace agreement between the Transitional Government of Somalia and members of the opposition.   Minister MacKay responded favourably to this request by committing to a meeting with the Canadian Somali Congress in the very near future.  

Canadian Somali Congress members Mohamed Abukar, Burhan Warsame Abdi and Omar Mohamed thanked the Minister for meeting with the community and taking this important step to assist the people of Somalia.  

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For further information contact:

Ebyan Farah
Director of Communications
Canadian Somali Congress

Tel: 613-523-2656

Email: ebyanf@gmail.com

Website: www.canadiansomalicongress.com

The Canadian Somali Congress is a non-partisan non-governmental Canadian organization dedicated to addressing issues of importance to Canadians of Somali heritage. The Congress works collaboratively with governmental, non-governmental organizations and individuals to facilitate the integration of Canadians of Somali heritage and to promote Canadian values.