Crisis in Haiti: How Canadians Can Help

January 14, 2010

Dear Constituents,

On January 12, 2010, a strong earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck close to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Power and telecommunications are severely disrupted. The Government of Canada extends its sincerest condolences to those affected by the earthquake.

The Government of Canada has taken immediate action to help Haiti.  The Prime Minister has ordered the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to prepare to deploy, and heavy-lift aircraft loaded with emergency supplies have already landed in Haiti.  In addition, two vessels from the Canadian Navy have been ordered to the affected region, loaded with medical and humanitarian relief supplies.  We have also announced an initial $5 million in emergency aid to Haiti, and have pledged to match the donations of individual Canadians dollar for dollar, up to $50 million.  There is a website on the Earthquake in Haiti where Canadians can receive the latest updates on the situation there.

Assistance for Canadians Abroad:

Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at 1-800-387-3124.  Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the Emergency Operations Centre or call 613-996-8885 collect. The Operations Centre of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please DO NOT call these numbers to find out how you can help – instead use the information below.


How Canadians Can Help:

The best way to help is to donate money – not clothing or food – to experienced humanitarian organizations.  You can find a full list of experienced organizations, and more information on how to help by clicking here or by calling the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) at 1-800-230-6349.

The Government of Canada expresses heartfelt sympathies to those who have been affected by the disaster in Haiti, and continues to send support to grieving families during this difficult time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Regards,



Randy Kamp, MP
Pitt Meadows—Maple Ridge—Mission