The Canadian government's Global Affairs Ministry announced yesterday humanitarian aid amounting to $5 million for Morocco, which was struck by the Al-Haouz earthquake that occurred on Friday night to Saturday, resulting in nearly 2,950 dead and 5,675 injured as of last night, in addition to the enormous material damages.

This Canadian aid comes in response to a call from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Of this amount, Canada is providing $2 million to meet the urgent needs of those affected by the earthquake.

The Canadian government also pledged to match up to $3 million in donations to the Canadian Red Cross's earthquake relief fund over the next few weeks.

These donations will contribute to the efforts of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to provide essential services, such as emergency food assistance, financial support, as well as water and sanitation services, and medical aid, all of which are vital for the affected individuals.

Donations to the Canadian Red Cross can be made online or by phone.

The Canadian Global Affairs Ministry also stated that it "continues to monitor the situation and remains in close contact with Moroccan authorities and humanitarian partners to assess the evolving needs and respond accordingly."

Quebec's Minister of International Relations and Francophonie, Martine Biron, announced on Tuesday, along with representatives from opposition parties in the Quebec National Assembly, that her government will send emergency assistance of $1.5 million to Morocco.

She also clarified that the funds will be used to support Quebec's international cooperation organizations that work closely with partner parties in Morocco.

Canada is home to nearly 100,000 people of Moroccan descent, according to the latest official census conducted in 2021. About 81,000 of them live in Quebec, nearly half of whom reside in the Montreal area.