Earthquake in Haiti: MP Shelly Glover offers her support to the Haitian community in Saint-Boniface and to victims’ families

January 13, 2010

Winnipeg (Manitoba) – A powerful earthquake struck Haiti late Tuesday afternoon, causing death and devastation in the region. According to witnesses, as dusk descended, chaos reigned in the capital, Port-au-Prince, which was surrounded by a large cloud of dust.

Shelly Glover, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface and Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages, spoke about the terrible tragedy: “I was devastated when I heard the news yesterday. Our thoughts are with the people of the Haitian community in Saint-Boniface and their loved ones, who must be going through a very difficult time right now. My thoughts are also with the families of many Canadian police officers posted there on a UN mission, and who have not yet managed to contact their families.”

The tremor, measuring at least 7.0 on the Richter scale, was over a minute long. It completely destroyed the Haitian capital, which has a population of approximately 2.3 million. Several large buildings in the city centre, including the Presidential Palace, the pride of Port-au-Prince, now lie in ruins. Hospitals, hotels and schools have been severely damaged, or worse, they simply crumbled like a house of cards.

The people of Haiti have just suffered a devastating earthquake that has left them on their knees. Already one of the poorest nations on the planet, Haiti is once again facing a very difficult road ahead. “We would like to express our full solidarity and provide concrete support. Accordingly, we are asking everyone in our community to provide tangible assistance in response to the needs expressed by the Haitian community of our riding,” stated Ms. Glover. “Our Government has announced that they will match all Canadian donations up to $50 million.  We encourage the people of Saint-Boniface and the citizens across this great country to please find it in your hearts to donate,” she concluded.

The government of Canada is sending immediate aid to Haiti.  Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said the $5 million is an initial contribution by Canada for urgent humanitarian assistance.

"This will help provide emergency shelter, medical service, food, relief items, water and sanitation services, as well as offer protection," Cannon told reporters after Cabinet Ministers met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa.



Emergency Assistance

The Emergency Operations Centre of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An experienced officer is always available to respond to emergency calls from anywhere in the world.

• For calls originating in Canada and the U.S., call 1 800 267-6788 or (613) 944-6788.
• Canadian citizens outside Canada can call collect from abroad where available to (613) 996-8885.
• Some countries also have toll-free lines to contact the Operations Centre in Ottawa.
• You can also communicate with us via TTY by dialing 1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or (613)944-1310.

To make a donation :

The Humanitarian Coalition (Oxfam Canada): CLICK HERE
Canadian Red Cross: People can make a donation via our toll free number at
1 800 418-1111 or CLICK HERE

CECI: CLICK HERE