Canada Provides Emergency Relief to Haiti and the Caribbean

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC, Sep 06 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation
announced today that Canada is providing $600,000 to assist people
affected by recent hurricanes and tropical storms in Haiti and the
Caribbean.

Canada's contribution includes the provision of emergency relief supplies
for 2,000 families in Haiti in response to the recent request from the
International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRC). These emergency supplies include blankets, buckets, hygiene kits,
mosquito nets and kitchen sets.

Canada's support also includes a $43,000 contribution to Medecins du
Monde to provide water, hygiene kits and primary health care, and
$100,000 to the IFRC's Preliminary Emergency Appeal to assist 7,000
families affected by the devastation in Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica.

"Canadians across the country are deeply concerned about the people of
Haiti, who are suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Hanna," said
Minister Oda. "Today's contribution will provide those in need with
emergency relief and basic needs supplies. We will continue to monitor
the situation closely and work with our humanitarian partners to ensure
that our assistance is making a difference in the lives of those
affected."

The Government of Canada stands prepared to respond further to the
humanitarian situation in the Caribbean, as the need arises. Canada is
the second largest bilateral donor in Haiti, which is the largest
recipient of Canadian long-term development assistance in the Americas
and the second largest in the world.

"On behalf of Canadians, I would like to extend my sympathies to the many
families in Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica that have been affected by the recent
series of storms," said the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign
Affairs. "Many lives have been lost and many others have been irrevocably
changed by these disasters, particularly in Haiti. We extend our utmost
support to Haiti's new government as it sets about meeting these
challenges"

To date, there are no reports of Canadian deaths or injuries as a result
of Hurricane Gustav or Tropical Storm Hanna. The Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) is advising Canadians to avoid
all non-essential travel to the affected regions. For travel and security
updates, please consult DFAIT's travel website: www.travel.gc.ca

Contacts:
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Joanna Bailey
Press Secretary
819-953-6238

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Media Relations Office
819-953-6534
media@acdi-cida.gc.ca

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