I want to make note of not only your personal background, but also the position that you presently hold. As for the compliment that you gave to the Canadian people and to the Canadian government on our involvement in these issues in the world, I thank you for that comment this morning.
I want to put something on the record. If you choose to respond to it, that's fine. Otherwise, I will be passing the questions to Mr. Lunney.
To go to a microcosm on where our government comes from, our government announced a renewal and an increase for our support of the Burmese border areas program, which amounts to $16 million over the next five years. My understanding is that it represents the largest single contribution. We are the largest mover and shaker in that particular area on that program. Canada is taking a lead.
Through a five-year program of building social capital, the Burma border areas program will provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to refugees, provide health services to displaced people, and support many community-based organizations on issues such as violence against women, environmental degradation, forced displacement, access to information, and human rights.
Today Canadian funds have allowed for the treatment of nearly one million cases of malaria and other health problems, provided food aid to approximately 145,000 refugees, and provided health care services to approximately half a million refugees. It's our example of effective and accountable foreign aid.
We have been able to show leadership in the past. The statement I wanted to put on the record today is that I would hope our friends and neighbours who have the capacity to be able to assist in this area would be prepared to follow what I think is Canada's excellent leadership on this and on many other initiatives that we have.