Canada announces support for hurricane victims

NEWS RELEASE

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

************************* Canada announces support for countries affected by Hurricane Dean

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today expressed Canada’s concern for the countries of the Caribbean region affected by Hurricane Dean and, in anticipation of the needs that will be generated, announced that up to $2 million in immediate assistance will be made available as an element of a broader Canadian response.

“On behalf of the government and people of Canada, I wish to extend my sympathies to the families and friends of those affected by Hurricane Dean. I also want to remind Canadians to visit voyage.gc.ca for the latest official travel warnings from the Government of Canada,” said Minister Bernier. “I commend the governments of the many countries that were, and are still, in the path of Hurricane Dean for their efforts to ensure the safety of residents and tourists, including many Canadians.”

“At this time, we have no reports of any Canadian casualties,” the minister added. “Officials and honorary consuls from our embassies are providing emergency consular services to affected Canadians in the region, and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada staff are working with tour operators and airlines to help facilitate the departure of Canadians from areas at risk. Government officials have also been pre-positioned to further reinforce Government of Canada efforts.”

“Canada is offering up to $2 million in immediate aid for relief and recovery efforts in countries hit by this devastating hurricane,” said Minister Oda. “This support will help international aid agencies and non-governmental organizations meet the urgent needs of people severely affected. Canada also stands ready to provide additional help where needed to assist with relief and reconstruction.”

To support the readiness of governments in the Caribbean for natural disasters such as hurricanes, Canada contributed $20 million in February 2007 to the new Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, a World Bank initiative that provides governments with insurance against government losses caused by catastrophic hurricanes and earthquakes.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper also announced a $20 million regional disaster risk reduction program in July 2007 during his visit to the region.

Canadians in the region can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa at [email protected] or make a collect call to 613-996-8885.

In addition, the Consular Affairs Bureau’s website is being updated regularly with travel advice for the region.

For more information on how Canadians can help, please click here. *************************