May 12, 2009
Ottawa (Ontario) - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today marked the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the Chinese province of Sichuan and stressed the importance of the involvement of individual Canadians in the relief and recovery efforts in this region.
“One year ago, when a catastrophic earthquake hit China, Canadians were quick to respond. Today we can see the results of their generous commitment,” said Minister Oda. “Families who were left homeless are now in temporary housing, basic agricultural supplies have been provided so farmers can go back to their fields, thousands of children are back in school, and community health workers and village doctors are being trained.”
Three days after the 2008 earthquake, the Government of Canada announced that it would support relief efforts in Sichuan and surrounding provinces by matching, dollar for dollar, the contributions from individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations.
“Each donation made a difference,” added Minister Oda. “Humanitarian partners were on the ground providing the emergency humanitarian relief needed by the people in Sichuan and surrounding provinces affected by the catastrophic earthquake. Canadians demonstrated their concern and compassion by responding generously to appeals by charitable organizations.”
The Government of Canada committed over $31 million to meet critical emergency relief and early recovery needs. The funds were allocated to trusted and experienced Canadian and international humanitarian organizations undertaking humanitarian efforts in China.
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Information:
Michelle Coates
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
