April 27, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario
Check Against Delivery
Good afternoon.
On behalf of the Prime Minister and all Canadians, we join the rest of the world in mourning the tragic loss of life that has occurred in Nepal and throughout the region as a result of Saturday’s earthquake.
We know that thousands of people have died and many thousands more are affected in one way or another.
Our government has taken immediate action to support civilians on the ground and Canadians in the region.
Hours after the earthquake hit, we announced $5 million in humanitarian assistance.
These funds will be used to provide urgent life-saving support for those affected by this catastrophe.
Canada is also deploying relief supplies from Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s emergency stockpiles in Mississauga and Dubai to help meet the immediate needs of people affected by the earthquake. Relief items include blankets, jerry cans, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, and tarps—all key in an emergency such as this one, where life-saving items and support are vital.
Prime Minister Harper also authorized the deployment of an assessment team and elements of the Disaster Assistance Relief Team, which is due to arrive in Nepal soon.
Also, Canadian officials are working closely with their counterparts in Nepal and India to help Canadian citizens in the region. In addition, today we are announcing that our C-17 aircraft currently on the way to the region with humanitarian supplies will also be available to evacuate Canadians from Nepal to India.
Canadians who want to pursue this should contact Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre at 1-800-387-3124.
Today, I am also pleased to announce that we have created the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund.
Canadians have shown time and again that they are willing to help those in need. To support their generosity, our government is matching all eligible contributions through this relief fund.
For every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians between April 25 and May 25 to registered Canadian charities in response to the impact of the earthquake, the Canadian government will set aside one dollar for the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund.
There are many capable Canadian and international humanitarian and development organizations already working to respond to the earthquake. We will use the money raised through the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund to support their work so as many affected people as possible can receive the help they need.
Our response to the Nepal earthquake will continue to evolve as we learn more about the magnitude of this disaster.
In the immediate short term, Canada will continue to work with its partners to assess needs and ensure that our assistance goes where it can help the most—and that it gets there as quickly as possible.
Our government, through capable aid agencies, the incredible work of the Canadian Armed Forces and through the generosity of Canadians, will continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Thank you.
