Ottawa - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that the Government of Canada will immediately provide up to $5 million for urgent humanitarian assistance to Haitians affected by the catastrophic earthquake on January 12th. This will help provide emergency shelter, medical services, food, relief items, water and sanitation services, as well as protection.
"Our government is deeply concerned about the impact of the earthquake and we want to ensure that the immediate basic needs of the Haitian people are met quickly and effectively," said Minister Oda. "In the face of so much devastation, we will continue to work closely with local authorities, international organizations and UN agencies to help bring relief to those affected and provide support as people rebuild their lives and communities."
The Government of Canada will monitor the situation closely, and will work in partnership with the Haitian government and partners on the ground to establish what further response will be appropriate.
Haiti is the largest recipient of Canadian development assistance in the Americas. It is currently the 2nd largest development program of the Canadian International Development Agency.
Information:
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
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: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca