La Ceiba, Honduras - Maria Minna, Canada's Minister for International Cooperation, today announced that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will provide an additional $1.3 million in assistance to victims of the earthquake that struck Central America, particularly El Salvador, last Saturday.
Today's announcement brings Canada's total aid package for victims of the earthquake to $2.3 million.
Minister Minna made the announcement in Honduras. She is on a two-week trip in Central and South America in advance of the Summit of the Americas to be held in Québec City from April 20-22, 2001. The Minister was in El Salvador when the earthquake struck.
"Canada will continue to assist the people affected by this disaster and ease their suffering," said Minister Minna. "Emergency assistance is still required and Canada's additional contribution will help with ongoing relief initiatives."
CIDA has already committed $1 million for earthquake victims, including two planeloads of emergency supplies.
The new contribution will be administered through the CIDA office at the Canadian embassy in San Salvador, El Salvador to help with continuing emergency efforts. The relief aid will be used for water supply, sanitation, shelter and other basic needs.
Funding for today's relief was provided for in the February 2000 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
Information:
Duncan Fulton
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819 953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819 953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca