May 5, 2008
No. 106
The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, and the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is setting aside up to $2 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to Tropical Cyclone Nargis.
"I wish to extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and express my concern for those affected by the terrible devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Nargis. The Government of Canada has set aside up to $2 million to provide urgent relief to the people of Burma," said Minister Oda. "Canada is working closely with trusted partners such as United Nations humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross Movement and experienced non-governmental organizations to determine how Canada's support can best meet the humanitarian needs of the people, once access is allowed by the Burmese government."
"On behalf of Canadians, I would like to extend my sympathies to the many thousands of families in Burma who have lost loved ones and whose lives have been severely affected by this disaster," said Minister Bernier. "We call upon the Burmese authorities to provide full and unhindered access to humanitarian organizations to allow them to assist with the relief efforts."
Core funding already provided by Canada to international humanitarian agencies enables these partners to begin assessments and to provide immediate relief in the aftermath of natural disasters.
The funds announced today will be provided as cash contributions to independent, impartial and neutral Canadian International Development Agency partners, who have the operational capacity to meet humanitarian needs.
In December 2007, Canada made the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations. These measures include an export ban and a prohibition on the provision of Canadian financial services to and from Burma. There are exemptions to these sanctions on humanitarian grounds.
Canadian officials are actively monitoring the situation. To date, there are no reports of Canadian deaths or injuries as a result of the cyclone. Canadians are advised against non-essential travel to Burma due to extensive damage caused. 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.
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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
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
www.cida.gc.ca
