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Feb.13,2005 -Feb.20,2005 |
Ottawa Will Assist in Rebuilding
Tsunami victims and devastated countries get more aid from Canada
By Angelo Persichilli
Originally Published: 2005-01-09
Canada will do everything possible to assist the populations hit by this catastrophe, both in immediate aid and in rebuilding." Prime Minister Paul Martin delivered this promise to over 30 representatives of Toronto communities originally from the areas devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami.
The meeting with the community leaders was also attended by Minister for Human resources and Training Joe Volpe and Minister of Immigration Judy Sgro, as well as MPs Maria Minna, Darek Lee and Jim Karigiannis.
During the two-hour meeting, the leaders of the Indian, Sri Lankan and Indonesian communities asked the Prime Minister to improve coordination of rescue operations and especially of the future rebuilding phase. Another concern expressed at the meeting was the possibility that local governments might channel Canadian aid only towards "secure" areas, to the exclusion of other regions. This is particularly possible in Sri Lanka, where a civil war has been raging for years, causing thousands of deaths.
Martin confirmed that this would be totally unacceptable and assured that Canadian authorities would control every phase of the aid operations.
Canada has already earmarked $80 million; in addition, the Prime Minister pledged to match whatever amount will be collected through organizations such as the Red Cross and Oxfam.
Minister Volpe expressed his satisfaction for the meeting. "We underscored," he said afterwards, "that Canadian aid will go to everybody, as it will be administered directly by international organizations." He added, "I'm particularly glad that PM Martin has showed, by his presence, the willingness of our Government to enhance its aid by reaching out to these communities."
Minister Sgro remarked that an increase in visa applications from these countries is expected. She added, "Canada will do everything possible to speed up the process, but there will be no special laws, and security and health checks will have to be done as usual."
MP Minna confirmed that the meeting was very positive and that the PM welcomed the community leaders' proposals.
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