The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation announced today that Canada is providing $600,000 to assist people affected by recent hurricanes and tropical storms in Haiti and the Caribbean.
Canada's contribution includes the provision of emergency relief supplies for 2,000 families in Haiti in response to the recent request from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). These emergency supplies include blankets, buckets, hygiene kits, mosquito nets and kitchen sets.
Canada's support also includes a $43,000 contribution to Médecins du Monde to provide water, hygiene kits and primary health care, and $100,000 to the IFRC's Preliminary Emergency Appeal to assist 7,000 families affected by the devastation in Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica.
"Canadians across the country are deeply concerned about the people of Haiti, who are suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Hanna," said Minister Oda. "Today's contribution will provide those in need with emergency relief and basic needs supplies. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our humanitarian partners to ensure that our assistance is making a difference in the lives of those affected."
The Government of Canada stands prepared to respond further to the humanitarian situation in the Caribbean, as the need arises. Canada is the second largest bilateral donor in Haiti, which is the largest recipient of Canadian long-term development assistance in the Americas and the second largest in the world.
"On behalf of Canadians, I would like to extend my sympathies to the many families in Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica that have been affected by the recent series of storms," said the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Many lives have been lost and many others have been irrevocably changed by these disasters, particularly in Haiti. We extend our utmost support to Haiti's new government as it sets about meeting these challenges"
To date, there are no reports of Canadian deaths or injuries as a result of Hurricane Gustav or Tropical Storm Hanna. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) is advising Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel to the affected regions. For travel and security updates, please consult DFAIT's travel website.
Information:
Joanna Bailey
Press Secretary
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: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
