January 14, 2010
Government acts swiftly to help Haiti says Komarnicki
Estevan (January 14, 2010) – “The Governor General’s emotional response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti captured the anguish and the agony faced by those most affected. Canada was right to respond quickly and in a massive way to provide assistance to the people of Haiti in their hour of need,” said Komarnicki.
The Prime Minister and his Cabinet Ministers responded quickly to the devastating crisis in Haiti by:
• Deploying a Canadian Forces DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) reconnaissance team carrying urgent supplies and expert personnel to assess the situation.
• A larger deployment of emergency supplies, personnel, and search and rescue helicopters aboard a massive C-17 aircraft made possible by the purchase of the aircraft.
• Recalling and deploying the HMCS Halifax and HMCS Athabasken, two Canadian naval ships loaded with food, bottled water, medical equipment and humanitarian supplies.
• An initial emergency contribution of $5 million to assist with the urgent humanitarian situation and a commitment to match dollar for dollar Canadians’ charitable contributions to registered Canadian charitable organizations for disaster assistance to Haiti.
• Providing emergency support to Canadian citizens in need including shelter and the possibility of a flight home to Canada.
“So far I think the actions of the government have been well coordinated and appropriate in the circumstances. I realize that continued action to provide protection and support will be needed. I also encourage all constituents to contribute to a charity of their choice in an effort to help the Haitian people in their time of need,” said Komarnicki.
