Canada pledges $5 million to eliminate chemical weapons in Syria

Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Anita Anand, announced Wednesday that new funding, provided through Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program, will assist in verifying the extent of Syria’s former chemical weapons program, investigating past use, and preparing for the safe destruction of any remaining stockpiles.

According to the statement, the initiative is aimed at reducing the risk of future chemical weapons use and supporting accountability efforts tied to violations during the Syrian conflict.

The OPCW, which oversees implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, is tasked with enforcing the global ban on the development, production and use of chemical weapons.

Canada’s contribution builds on more than two decades of support through its Weapons Threat Reduction Program, part of the G7-led Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction.

The government said the funding underscores Ottawa’s continued commitment to non-proliferation, international security, and civilian protection in conflict-affected regions.