Toronto, Ontario - 18 November 2013
As I said downstairs to our round table, a couple of things you should know.
The government’s response to this continues to proceed.
We now have several hundred military and Government of Canada employees who are present in the region of Iloilo and the surrounding provinces.
And they are providing medical services, they’re providing water purification and they’re providing logistical and engineering support.
Also, we continue to raise money to assist with this, both the Government of Canada and support we’re giving to international aid organizations.
And today what I announced was that the Government of Canada is quadrupling its own financial assistance.
And that, friends, is partly in response to the fundraising efforts that have been going on across the country, principally but not exclusively by the Filipino community but others as well.
Now individuals and businesses have contributed as of today almost $20 million in relief funds.
So look, your efforts through the church and other organizations are greatly appreciated.
We know there’s a lot to be done.
Canada will be there through our partners for many months to come.
But thank you all for what you’re doing.
Thank you also not just for what you contribute on this particular relief effort, but thank you for what you’re doing really to contribute to our country as well.
We have a great Filipino community all across this country.
I even tell people, some people don’t know this.
In my extended family, I have Filipino relatives.
But fortunately they’re all safe.
They’re all safe in the northern part of the country.
But look I know that’s not true for everybody, so our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
God bless you for all of the work that you’re doing.
Thank you very much.
