Thank you very much, Mr. President.
Thanks to the witnesses for being with us today and for the work they're doing.
On October 28, the United Nations Development Programme, or UNDP, published an assessment of the damages, losses and needs in the wake of the floods in Pakistan. According to that assessment, total damages will exceed USD $14.9 billion, total economic losses will amount to approximately USD $15.2 billion and rehabilitation and reconstruction needs to at least USD $16.3 billion.
In an open letter dated August 30, 2022, the International Development and Relief Foundation, the IDRF, asked the Government of Canada to create a $50 million aid fund for Pakistan to finance both immediate humanitarian intervention and long-term recovery. Canada's response to the floods and to ensure Pakistan's long-term recovery amounted to $33 million in aid.
My first question is for Ms. Osman.
On the one hand, given the request for $50 million, I imagine you consider $33 million in aid inadequate. On the other hand, I would like to know how you came up with the $50 million amount. Do you believe that amount represents adequate funding to enable Pakistan to recover from the trials it has endured?