September 7, 2007 (10:30 a.m. EDT)
No. 124
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable
Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced $1 million in
support for countries in Central America affected by Hurricane Felix. As part of this
contribution, Canada will send 10,000 blankets to Nicaragua on board a Canadian
Forces C150 Airbus, in response to a request by the Pan-American Disaster Response
Unit of the International Federation of the Red Cross.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to those whose
lives have been affected by Hurricane Felix,” said Minister Bernier. “We commend the
efforts of local authorities, aid organizations and individuals who are working to bring
relief to people in the region, including those in remote communities.”
“Canada has played a key role in coordinating the humanitarian response,” said
Minister Oda. “Canadian officials will be arriving today in Managua, Nicaragua, to assist
in the implementation of Canada’s aid operation.”
Canadian officials are continuing to monitor the aftermath of Hurricane Felix. Canadian
officials are also in contact with international aid agencies to determine what needs may
exist following these events and how Canada may be best placed to assist.
Canada’s development cooperation program in Central America proactively addresses
the reduction of environmental and social vulnerability to natural disasters. In
Nicaragua, Canada is playing a strong role in integrated watershed management, work
that includes specific considerations related to disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Current and past projects also include reforestation, agriculture and environment
initiatives, all contributing to reducing risks for the inhabitants of the poorest areas of
the region.
Canadians in the region can contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in
Ottawa at sos@international.gc.ca or make a collect call to 613-996-8885.
For more information on how Canadians can help, please visit
http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/library/howcanadians-en.aspx.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
