Canadians are deeply concerned about the impact of the recent earthquake in Haiti. In an overwhelming response, Canadians have donated millions of dollars to relief efforts and the Government of Canada has acknowledged this outpouring of generosity by matching, dollar for dollar, contributions made to registered charities providing disaster relief.

From coast to coast, in large and small communities, fundraising for relief efforts is taking place. It’s no different here, in the riding of Brant. Just open a paper or turn on the radio and you will read or hear of the many local initiatives taking place by schools, businesses and community groups.

Canada was one of the first countries on the ground after the earthquake in Haiti. Since then we have been working continuously to assess the situation and do whatever we can to help the Haitian people. In addition to a Canadian Forces DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) team, Canadian Forces aircraft are being dispatched daily to Haiti to bring such things as emergency supplies, personnel and medical support. These same planes are also being used to bring Canadians home. To date more than 1000 people have been brought safely back to Canada.

We now have approximately 2,000 men and women, seven helicopters and two ships that are contributing to the recovery and reconstruction efforts in Haiti. Canadians can be proud of their country’s response to this disaster and very proud of their own individual contributions to help provide relief to those suffering in this crisis.

The Government of Canada reminds Canadians that cash donations are the fastest and most efficient way to get help to people who are living in the disaster zone.  To help with the earthquake relief in Haiti, our Government encourages all Canadians to show their support by contributing to a registered charity of their choice. In order to avoid potential fraud, we urge everyone to ensure that their charity of choice is a registered charity. More information can be found at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/donors/index.html.