November 2, 2007
No. 152
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable
Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that Canada is
providing up to $500,000 to help communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic
affected by tropical storm Noel, including $100,000 in response to an appeal launched
yesterday by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend my sympathies to those affected by
tropical storm Noel in the Dominican Republic and Haiti,” said Minister Bernier. “We
commend the local authorities, aid organizations and individuals who are working to
bring relief to people affected by this storm. In Haiti, the United Nations Stabilization
Mission—to which Canada contributes significant support and personnel—is assisting
with evacuations and other relief activities.”
“Canada’s ongoing support to international humanitarian partners enables them to
provide immediate assistance in Haiti and the Dominican Republic,” said Minister Oda.
“This will help meet the needs of those who have been most severely affected, by
supporting the Red Cross’s distribution of emergency relief supplies and the efforts of
local partners involved in the response.”
In addition to responding to emergency relief appeals, Canada funds various
reforestation and watershed management projects that contribute to reducing
environmental and social vulnerability to natural disasters on the island of Hispaniola.
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.
Canadians interested in providing assistance are encouraged to donate cash, not
goods, to experienced humanitarian organizations involved in the response. 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
