Canada Provides Relief to Flood Victims in Haiti

News Release

(2004-42) News Release September 22, 2004 Ottawa -- Aileen Carroll, Minister of International Cooperation, and Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada will provide an additional $ 2 million in support of relief efforts to help flood victims in Haiti. This contribution will be provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). "Canada is extremely concerned about the disaster affecting Haiti caused by tropical storm Jeanne," said Minister Carroll. "These funds will help those affected and help prevent the spread of disease. We are confident that the expertise and experience of our partners will ensure that Canada's contribution gets to where it's most needed." Canada is providing a $ 2 million contribution to local organizations, non-governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies to carry out relief efforts. The Canadian Forces is also providing a CC-130 Hercules Transport aircraft from Trenton to airlift CIDA/Canadian Red Cross supplies into Port-au-Prince, Haiti, today. This immediate deployment of emergency relief items will include plastic sheeting and blankets and will be distributed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. "All Canadians are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in Haiti over the past several days. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims," said Minister Pettigrew. "Our consular officials are in communication with registered Canadians in the area affected by flooding and we continue to monitor the situation through the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince, and in consultation with the humanitarian organizations working directly with those affected by this terrible tragedy." The area surrounding Gonaives and the North West part of Haiti has been severely affected by tropical storm Jeanne. About 80 per cent of the population in the Gonaives region has been affected and the death toll has risen to at least 700 with more than 1,000 people still missing. Most agricultural land in the Gonaives area is currently flooded. This announcement is in addition to the $ 50,000 provided in immediate emergency relief to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. All 54 Canadian police officers on peacekeeping duty in Haiti are safe and engaged in assisting local law enforcement during this crisis. For more information on the status of Canadian police officers on peacekeeping duty in Haiti, please see the following link: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. - 30 - Information: Andrew Graham Director of Communications 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 Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Telephone: (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada Telephone: (613) 995-1874

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Canada Provides Relief to Flood Victims in Haiti

News Release

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