Liberian Association of Canada

The Liberian Association of Canada is dedicated to building a vibrant community where Liberians and people of Liberian descent are empowered to thrive, contribute meaningfully to Canadian society, and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.

We achieve this by strengthening bilateral development partnerships between Liberia and Canada and by empowering Liberian community associations across Canada. Through capacity building, community organizing, networking, and resource mobilization, we foster resilience and create opportunities for collective success.

It all started when…

The devastating Ebola crisis in Liberia left deep scars, heartbreak, and challenges that will take years to heal. Like the many crises that Liberians have faced before, it tested our resilience and resolve. Yet, it also reinforced an enduring truth: the responsibility for turning tragedy into triumph rests within us. Guided by this resilient spirit, we came together as a family during the Ebola crisis, experiencing the transformative power of unity and collective action. Together, we joined our brothers and sisters in Liberia and around the world to fight and ultimately defeat Ebola.

This time, however, we resolved not to wait for another crisis to unify us. Instead, we committed to maintaining that spirit of togetherness and using it to strengthen our communities across Canada. As Liberians, we understand that when one of us is hurting, we all hurt, and when one of us rejoices, we all share in that joy.

An ad-hoc exploratory committee was established on October 18, 2014, in Hamilton, Ontario to study the feasibility of uniting the broader Liberian community across Canada through direct engagement and dialogue. On March 21, 2015, the committee presented its findings at a conference in Windsor, Ontario, to leaders and members of the Liberian community.

This milestone conference marked the official birth of the Federation of Liberian Associations in Canada (FLAC) which which was later renamed Liberian Association of Canada in 2019 as the umbrella organization for Liberians nationwide. Following the conference, the exploratory committee was dissolved, and an interim leadership team, headed by Francis J. Hinnah, was elected. This interim body was tasked with developing an organizational framework to unite the community under a shared vision and prepare for full elections.

Through dedicated efforts, the interim leadership successfully engaged Liberian community associations across Canada, which are now active members of the Association. This collective effort has solidified our shared mission: to empower and uplift Liberians in Canada while celebrating our cultural heritage and contributing to our communities.

Liberians in Canada

The broader story of Liberian communities in Canada began in the 1990s during the Liberian Civil War, when Canada opened its doors to Liberians fleeing the conflict. This initial wave of refugees and asylum seekers intensified in the early 2000s and continued until 2015. Despite the war’s conclusion, thousands of Liberians remained in refugee camps across the region, grappling with economic hardships and an uncertain future after spending over two decades in exile.

Today, the Liberian community in Canada continues to grow steadily, fueled by family reunification efforts and the emergence of a new generation of children born into the diaspora. Alberta, particularly Edmonton and its surrounding areas, is home to the largest Liberian population in Canada. This concentration is largely due to the province's oil sands boom, which created attractive employment opportunities for many Liberians, a trend that continues to this day.

Diplomatic Relations

Bilateral relations between Canada and Liberia are good, but limited even though diplomatic relations were established in 1971.. The two countries maintain a dialogue through multilateral forums.

Canada & Liberia

Canada has covered Liberia diplomatically through the Embassy of Canada to Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan since 1971. Liberian affairs in Canada have been managed since 1971 through the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia to the United States in Washington DC.

Trade & Investments

The trade relationship between Canada and Liberia, while modest, has been experiencing growth in recent years. Below is an overview of the most recent statistics:

Bilateral Merchandise Trade (2023):

• Total Trade: Approximately $64.3 million.

• Canadian Exports to Liberia: Valued at $27 million, with electrical machinery being the primary export commodity.

• Canadian Imports from Liberia: Valued at $37.3 million, predominantly consisting of rubber.

Monthly Trade Data (August 2024):

• Canadian Exports to Liberia: Approximately C$813,000.

• Canadian Imports from Liberia: Approximately C$932,000, resulting in a trade deficit of C$119,000 for Canada.

Annual Trade Data (2023):

• Canadian Exports to Liberia: Totaled US$20.03 million.

• Liberian Exports to Canada: Totaled US$1.41 million, with the majority being toys, games, and sports requisites.

These figures highlight a growing trade relationship, with Canada primarily exporting electrical machinery to Liberia and importing rubber and other goods. While the overall trade volume remains modest, the upward trend indicates potential for further economic collaboration between the two nations.

Development & Humanitarian Assistance

Canada's development assistance to Liberia focuses on various sectors, including human rights, democracy, sexual and reproductive health, women's empowerment, education, environment, climate resilience, and regional trade. This support is channeled through partnerships with Canadian and international NGOs, as well as multilateral and regional organizations. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, Canada's international aid to Liberia totaled $25.53 million. Additionally, Canada supports small-scale, high-impact projects in Liberia through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The CFLI focuses on thematic priorities such as gender equality, human rights, and climate action. While Canada does not have a bilateral development assistance program specifically for Liberia, its contributions through various channels play a significant role in supporting Liberia's development goals.