Canadians detained in Ethiopia were with charity based out of Medicine Hat

By Medicine Hat News on March 3, 2020.

Global Affairs Canada says officials are fully engaged with authorities in Ethiopia after 13 Canadians linked to a Medicine Hat-based charity were detained there last week.

Canadian Humanitarian says a group of 10 Canadian volunteers, three Canadians on staff and two Ethiopian staff members are in custody in the African country on allegations they were practising medicine without permission and had dispensed expired medication.

The charity has disputed the allegations.

A statement on the website of Canadian Humanitarian doesn’t provide hometowns for those in custody, but says the 15-year-old organization that is registered in Medicine Hat hopes for a quick resolution.

“We are working hard to resolve this as quickly as possible, ensure the fair and humanitarian treatment of our team in accordance with internationally recognized laws, and expedite their safe return to Canada,” it reads.

It goes on to cite “long-standing” relationship with groups in Ethiopia while providing non-political, humanitarian support.

Government of Canada spokeswoman Angela Savard says Global Affairs Canada is aware of the situation in Gondar, a city in the country’s north.

She says Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne spoke with his Ethiopian counterpart about the humanitarian workers.

Savard says department officials are also in contact with local authorities to gather more information, while consular officials are working with the Canadians and their families.

No one from Canadian Humanitarian has returned emails or calls for comment.

A statement posted on the Canadian Humanitarian website Saturday said the group consists of doctors and other medical professionals whose mission is to provide essential medical care to Ethiopians.

The group is described as a registered charity, based in Medicine Hat, which sends volunteers abroad to provide medical and dental support, along with other humanitarian services.

In Edmonton, a spokeswoman for Premier Jason Kenney said the government is waiting for more information from Ottawa.

“We are very concerned with the situation in Ethiopia,” Christine Myatt said in an email.

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