REPORT FROM PARLIAMENT

Whenever disasters happen, Canadians are always willing to respond to the call for help. I know we’re all proud to see that Canadians were on the ground in Haiti within hours of the earthquake pitching in to find survivors. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have been affected by the disaster in Haiti. If you are trying to locate family member in Haiti, you can contact the Foreign Affairs emergency operation centre at 1-800-387-3124, or inquire by email at sos@international.gc.ca.

Shortly after the disaster, the Prime Minister of Canada clearly stated, “Canada stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to the people of Haiti during this time of need.” In light of the Prime Minister’s statement many of my constituents have been contacting the office asking what Canada is doing to help, and how individuals can help the Haitian people who are in dire straits.

Immediately after learning of the Earthquake the Prime Minister ordered the Deployment of the Canadian Forces DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team). This team is a complement of expert personnel who have a vast amount of experience in assessing and responding to disaster situations. They are known worldwide for their water purification techniques; making it clean enough to drink. The team can produce up to 50 000 litres of potable water a day, as well as chlorinating local wells and monitoring water supplies. As we all know well, clean drinking water is key to the Haitian’s recovery.

As well as sending in DART, Prime Minister Harper ordered the HMCS Halifax and Athabaskan to set sail for Haiti. They have been loaded with food, bottled water, medical equipment and humanitarian supplies. Also a massive C-17 aircraft has also been commissioned for a large deployment of emergency supplies, personnel, and search and rescue helicopters that will arrive in Haiti in a few hours.

With his complete attention focused on the emergency effort in Haiti, Prime Minister Harper also announced that Canada will match the monetary contribution (up to $50 million) of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations.

Through the initiatives of our Prime Minister and the generosity of Canadians, the work to address the disaster in Haiti has already commenced. We are hearing through the media embedded in Haiti many heart warming stories of survival.

I have been deeply touched by the concern expressed by my fellow Canadians for Haitian families, and equally impressed by the quick and decisive action, and the leadership shown by Prime Minister Harper.

For more information on how you can contribute to the Haiti relief effort or for a list of charitable organizations, please contact my office and we will assist you. (306.445.2004 or 613.995.7080)

Hon. Gerry Ritz is the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.ca