(No. 133 - April 14, 2010 - 12:30 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today offered Canada’s condolences to the people of China after a series of earthquakes in western China took hundreds of lives and left thousands injured.
“On behalf of the government and people of Canada, I express our profound sympathies and sorrow to the families and friends of those killed, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” said Minister Cannon. “Canada is deeply concerned for the well-being of all those affected by this disaster.
“We have no reports, to date, of Canadian deaths or injuries due to the earthquakes. Canadian officials in Ottawa and at our embassy in Beijing will continue to monitor the earthquakes’ impact, and are in close contact with Chinese authorities.
“We invite Canadian citizens in the earthquake area to call home and reassure their loved ones, even if they have not been affected.
“To date, the Government of China has not requested international assistance.”
Canadian citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian embassy in Beijing by phone at 86 (10) 5139-4000, or by email at beijing.consular@international.gc.ca.
Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected area should contact the Emergency Operations Centre by phone at either 1-800-387-3124 or 613-943-1055, or by email at sos@international.gc.ca.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Ève Cardinal
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
