The Government of Canada would like to mark World Red Cross Day, May 8, 2015, by saying thank you to the Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian health and support workers who have volunteered to be deployed to respond to crisis situations.
Our Government is grateful and proud of the contributions of the Canadian Red Cross and by all Canadians who have volunteered in times of crisis - to combat the Ebola virus, to help those in need in Nepal, or in support of other humanitarian causes. Through global and domestic partnerships, Canada will continue its commitment to protect public health.
Canada has a long-standing partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, working together to meet the humanitarian needs of crisis-affected populations. As part of Canada's response to the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, the Government of Canada is supporting the Canadian Red Cross deployment of an emergency health care unit to provide medical assistance to as many as 200 people per day.
In addition, Canadian Red Cross volunteers have been instrumental in responding to the largest Ebola outbreak in history, which has been ongoing in West Africa since March of last year. Recognizing that Canada has some of the most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals in the world, the Government of Canada partnered with the Canadian Red Cross for the "Join the Fight Against Ebola" campaign.
Launched in November 2014, the goal of the campaign is to recruit qualified Canadians to work in existing Ebola Treatment Centres in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. To date, nearly 1,000 volunteers have applied through the Canadian Red Cross to join the fight against Ebola. This success would not be possible without the efforts of the Canadian Red Cross, and the willingness of Canadians to do their part to protect public health on a global scale.
The success of our Government's work with the Canadian Red Cross and of the recruitment campaign is testament to the courage, compassion and dedication of these professionals. Today, Canada is proud to join its neighbours around the world to celebrate World Red Cross Day and thank volunteers for their precious contributions to helping those in need.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Anyone interested in applying to join the fight against Ebola should visit the Canadian Red Cross International Opportunities webpage.
Additional information on Canada's response to Ebola can be found on Canada.ca.
