The Haitian Earthquake Tragedy

January 13, 2010

Dear Fellow Thornhillers;

An earthquake in Haiti has caused catastrophic damage and significant loss of life in a country which has been a recipient of Canadian aid and assistance for many years. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the people of Haiti as they struggle to meet the immense challenge that is before them.

In response to this severe crisis, the Government of Canada has taken immediate steps to increase its emergency support to the Haitian people. This morning the first elements of Canada's emergency assistance to Haiti were deployed and the DART [Disaster Assistance Response Team] reconnaissance team will further assess the needs on the ground and provide additional recommendations on the Government of Canada's response options. These options may include sending medical equipment, search and rescue helicopters and other humanitarian assistance.

My colleague, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs is coordinating Canada's response and I am pleased to support him in this critical endeavour. 

Canadian Embassy staff in Haiti continues to provide assistance to Canadians in the country.  If you are in contact with any Canadians in Haiti they should be encouraged to 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.

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.

Many Thornhill residents have already called my office asking how to best assist the Haitian people as they work to manage the situation. The quickest and most effective way in which Canadian individuals and companies can help the Haitian people is through financial donations to experienced humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross.  A list of organizations to contact can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Canada website at: http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Over the coming hours and days the Government of Canada will continue to assess the situation in Haiti and will work quickly to help our Caribbean neighbours in these trying times.

Sincerely,

Peter Kent


Member of Parliament for Thornhill
Minister of State of Foreign Affairs