4 Philippine Showbiz Today
June 22 - July 7, 2017
Canada ready to help the Philippines
in Marawi crisis
Canada stands ready to assist
the Philippines deal with the crisis
in Marawi City.
This comes as more civilians
and troops are affected by the
lingering armed conflict in the
southern city between security
forces and Islamist rebels.
“We stand ready to help…
Normally, we would respond to
a request from the government
of the Philippines,” Canadian
Ambassador to Philippines John
Holmes told reporters.
Holmes said his country is
already providing assistance to the
Philippines through the Canadian
Red Cross and the International
Committee of the Red Cross
Philippines.
“In terms of our aid program,
Mindanao has been our focus the
last few years and continues to be
our focus,” the ambassador said.
Statement by the Prime
Minister of Canada on
World Refugee Day
The Prime Minister, Justin
Trudeau, today issued the
following statement on World
Refugee Day:
“On World Refugee Day,
we honour the strength and
resilience of the millions of people
around the world fleeing conflict,
insecurity, and persecution.
We solemnly acknowledge the
hardships they face, celebrate
the significant contributions
they make to our communities,
and recognize the dedication of
those who help them.
“Today, over 65 million
people are displaced around the
world, and more than 22 million
of them are refugees. They
flee unlivable situations in their
homelands, crossing deserts
and seas to escape, and carrying
dreams of a new life even as
they struggle with intense loss.
These hardships particularly
affect women, who bear different
and disproportionate effects of
conflict and insecurity.
“Canadians are fortunate
to live in a country shaped, over
the centuries, by the dreams
and hard work of millions of
immigrants and refugees. Today,
we recognize their dignity and
potential. Despite the hardships
they face, these individuals make
many contributions to shape the
diverse, strong, and prosperous
country Canada is today.
“Canada has a long tradition
of welcoming refugees, and
today, Canadians continue to
help newcomers establish their
lives here with compassion
and openness. In recent
years, communities across the
country have welcomed over
40,000 Syrian refugees. Their
generosity illustrates the spirit
of compassion that defines
us as Canadians. When we
embrace our differences and
come together to welcome
newcomers, we strengthen our
communities in enduring ways.
“Rising conflict, insecurity,
and persecution today have led
to migration levels not seen
since the Second World War.
We have a global responsibility
to respond to this crisis and to
support those who are forced to
leave home. We must address
the root causes of forced
migration by seeking diplomatic
solutions for violent conflicts
and standing united in the fight
against terrorism. We must also
redouble our efforts on climate
change, so that it does not
further exacerbate insecurity in
the world.
“Today, I call on Canadians
and people around the world to
stand with people seeking shelter
from enormous hardship and
violence. Refugees are forced to
leave home, but they carry with
them dreams for their children
and the hope of creating a better
world. Let us show compassion
for their plight, recognize their
dignity, and continue to see
ourselves in each other.”●
“We have different
programs that are al