Canada to continue aid to Palestinians

TORONTO (AP) — Canada will continue to provide millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to the Palestinians despite saying last week it would assess its whole relationship with the Palestinian Authority after the U.N. General Assembly voted to recognize the Palestinians as a non-member observer state

Canada, a staunch ally of Israel, strongly opposed the Palestinians' successful effort last week to win elevated status and was one of the few countries to vote against it.

Foreign Minister John Baird recalled diplomats from Israel, the West Bank and the U.N. to assess the implications of the vote and get advice Tuesday.

Rick Roth, a Baird spokesman, says Canada's current five-year, $300-million commitment in funding for security and humanitarian aid is important and will remain.

Roth says as a matter of course they will "review the path forward" once the projects are completed.

U.S. lawmakers have threatened to cut off aid if the Palestinians use their newfound status against Israel. Some suggested Canada could do the same.