KINGSTON, Jamaica – Canada's Secretary of State (International Development), Randeep Sarai, has announced that Canada will match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross hurricane Melissa appeal.

Every donation to the Canadian Red Cross appeal from October 28 to November 24, 2025, will be matched by the government of Canada, up to a total of CAD $1.5 million.

These funds, raised through the generosity of Canadians, will help the Red Cross Movement support critical humanitarian needs, including emergency health services and other essential assistance to impacted communities.

“The full extent of hurricane Melissa's devastation is becoming clearer, and Canada is stepping up its support. By matching donations, we're also joining Canadians in supporting Red Cross partners on the ground that are delivering urgent and life-saving assistance to those hit hardest by hurricane Melissa. Together, we're doubling the impact and bringing hope and help to communities in crisis,” said Sarai.

Secretary of State Sarai also announced that Canada is providing more than CAD $2.5 million in additional funding to support the humanitarian response in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti- bringing Canada's total humanitarian response to over CAD $11 million in direct funding for hurricane Melissa relief efforts.

As part of Canada's commitment to supporting Jamaica's sustainable recovery, Secretary of State Sarai further announced over CAD $6 million in development assistance to strengthen long-term disaster recovery and preparedness efforts in Jamaica.

This expanded support is based in part on the recommendations of a Canadian Disaster Assessment Team (CDAT) that visited Jamaica immediately after the hurricane to assess the most urgent needs and how Canadian support could best complement relief efforts underway. This latest announcement brings Canada's total support since hurricane Melissa to more than CAD $17 million in humanitarian and development assistance.

Funding will support partners, including Canadian organisations with ongoing work in Jamaica, in the following priority areas:

• The funding will strengthen climate resilience in the health sector by repairing facilities, replacing critical equipment, and upgrading infrastructure for water, sanitation, and hygiene services to better withstand future storms.

• Improving disaster response and preparedness through enhanced emergency telecommunications, warehouse repairs, and replenishment of emergency supplies.

• The funding will also support the recovery of the food system by providing tools, equipment, and training to small-scale farmers, as well as advancing investments in disaster risk planning and management.

“Canada is proud to be working alongside Jamaica in this next phase of recovery, helping to restore essential services, rebuild livelihoods, and strengthen resilience for the future,” said Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica.

Canada has also launched its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Humanitarian Assistance Fund, which enables local organisations in Jamaica to access up to CAD $50,000 each to deliver immediate and direct relief projects in affected communities. This initiative ensures that recovery efforts are community-driven, responsive, and aligned with Jamaica's national priorities for rebuilding and resilience.

Canada remains a steadfast partner to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, standing with communities as they recover, rebuild, and strengthen their resilience against future storms.

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