10 March 2012
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.
“One year after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, we honour the memory of the thousands of people who perished due to the devastating events of that fateful day.
“Canada responded quickly in the aftermath of the disasters. Following a request by the Government of Japan, Canada provided emergency relief supplies in the form of woven thermal wool blankets, portable radiation survey meters and dosimeters to help respond to the nuclear emergency.
“On this solemn day, I would also like to convey how much Canadians admire the amazing resilience of the Japanese people in the face of such devastation. Our country continues to be inspired by how the people of Japan — with calm, ingenuity and practicality — are translating iron resolve into reconstruction and recovery.
“Canada considers itself fortunate to have such a strong Asia-Pacific friend and partner and we look forward to building ever closer relations with Japan in the coming months and beyond.”
