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Canada announces support for victims of Hurricane Felix

This news was published on Tuesday, September 11th, 2007 and is archived under Aerospace, Humanitarian Relief.

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced $1 million in support for countries in Central America affected by Hurricane Felix. As part of this contribution, Canada will send 10,000 blankets to Nicaragua on board a Canadian Forces C150 Airbus, in response to a request by the Pan-American Disaster Response Unit of the International Federation of the Red Cross. “On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to those whose lives have been affected by Hurricane Felix,” said Minister Bernier. “We commend the efforts of local authorities, aid organizations and individuals who are working to bring relief to people in the region, including those in remote communities.”

“Canada has played a key role in coordinating the humanitarian response,” said Minister Oda. “Canadian officials will be arriving today in Managua, Nicaragua, to assist in the implementation of Canada’s aid operation.”

Canadian officials are continuing to monitor the aftermath of Hurricane Felix. Canadian officials are also in contact with international aid agencies to determine what needs may exist following these events and how Canada may be best placed to assist.

Canada’s development cooperation program in Central America proactively addresses the reduction of environmental and social vulnerability to natural disasters. In Nicaragua, Canada is playing a strong role in integrated watershed management, work that includes specific considerations related to disaster preparedness and mitigation. Current and past projects also include reforestation, agriculture and environment initiatives, all contributing to reducing risks for the inhabitants of the poorest areas of the region.

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

For more information on how Canadians can help, please visit http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/library/howcanadians-en.aspx.

Source: Canadian Forces (DND/CF)
For further information about Canadian Forces (DND/CF), click here

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