October 10, 2005
No. 181
Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew, International Cooperation Minister
Aileen Carroll and Defence Minister Bill Graham announced today that the Government
of Canada has earmarked $20 million to respond to the devastating magnitude 7.6
earthquake that struck South Asia on October 8, 2005.
In response to a request from the Government of Pakistan, a portion of the funds will be
allocated for the dispatch by Canadian Forces Hercules aircraft in the region of
21 tonnes of winterized blankets for those affected by the crisis. Canada will also
respond to the appeals to be issued by the UN system, by the International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and by Canadian non-governmental
organizations. These funds will go toward immediate shelter, food, clothing, water and
sanitation, as well as to longer-term reconstruction.
“The Government of Canada has indicated to the Government of Pakistan that we are
committed to doing what we can to help those affected by this tragic emergency. I
conveyed this message directly to Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri on Sunday,” said
Minister Pettigrew. “Canada’s assistance has been timely and focused on identified
needs. Canadian officials are in close contact with the relevant authorities and agencies
to assess the needs as the situation evolves on the ground.”
“Canada’s contribution of $20 million is in response to needs that have been identified
since our initial $300,000 contribution was announced on Saturday,” said Minister
Carroll. “Given the scope of the disaster, it is important that Canada ensure that the
needs of those affected by the crisis are effectively met, and we will continue to monitor
closely what more may be required for immediate relief. Given Canada’s important
development partnership with Pakistan, we will be in a good position to support
recovery and reconstruction efforts as needs in that regard become clearer, in
conjunction with others in the international community.”
“I am proud that the Canadian Forces are contributing toward this important relief
effort,” said Minister Graham. “Canadian Forces staff are working with their
counterparts at Foreign Affairs and the Canadian International Development Agency to
determine if there is a need for additional Canadian Forces assets, and if so how these
can be provided in a manner that will best assist the work under way by local authorities
and civilian humanitarian agencies.”
Canadians wishing to help with relief efforts are encouraged to make a financial
donation to organizations with a proven track record of working in the region. This
enables those organizations to purchase goods closer to the crisis, which is faster and
more cost-effective. For more information on how Canadians can help, consult
http://www.fac-aec.gc.ca/disaster_help2-en.asp.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is
therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
Andrew Graham
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
(819) 953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
(819) 953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
http://www.cida.gc.ca
Renée Filiatrault
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
