(Italy) July 8, 2009 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada is contributing to the rebuilding of L’Aquila and Italy’s surrounding Abruzzo region, which were devastated by a severe earthquake on April 6.

The Government of Canada will contribute $5 million to create a Canadian centre for youth at the University of L’Aquila, which was badly damaged in the earthquake.  The construction of the youth centre is part of the international community’s efforts to help residents of Abruzzo rebuild their lives and their community.
"The people of Canada, and especially Canadians of Italian descent, are proud to stand with the people of Italy as they rebuild after this tragic disaster,” said the Prime Minister, who visited the site of the youth centre during a tour of L’Aquila, prior to taking part in the 2009 G-8 Summit. The Prime Minister was joined by Senator Consiglio Di Nino and Members of Parliament Paul Calandra and Dean Del Mastro.

The L’Aquila Earthquake Fund Brant, a trust fund for victims of the Italian earthquake was established earlier this year by a group of local residents of Italian descent. 

“I’m very pleased to see our government doing this.  The people of L’Aquila suffered a great deal and the damage to the University was tragic,” said Brant MP Phil McColeman.  I would encourage residents who have not done so already to contribute to the efforts being made by local members of the Italian community.”
Donations can be made at the Bank of Montreal, 195 Henry St. - transit number 2333 and the account number 8094-80.  Cheques can also be made out to the L'Aquila Earthquake Fund Brant, and forwarded by mail to L'Aquila, 325A West St., No. 202, Brantford N3R 3V6.

In May Nipissing University students scooped up cups of gelato to raise funds for L’Aquila earthquake victims.  The Nipissing education faculty has made annual co-operative trips to the L'Aquila region and was planning another trip there until the earthquake occurred.  Nipissing students have partnered with the University of L'Aquila to teach English to Italian children.

Over 65,000 people were left homeless by the earthquake and almost 300 lost their lives. The Italian-Canadian community responded immediately to the crisis by raising funds to support the population of Abruzzo. The Canadian business community has also contributed to re-construction efforts.
"This facility will provide students from L'Aquila, as well as those from Canada and around the world, with a place to learn and exchange ideas,” added the Prime Minister. "This centre will also serve as a testament to the enduring bond of friendship between Canada and Italy.”

The design of the centre is consistent with both Canadian standards and the surrounding environment and, where possible, will make use of Canadian anti-seismic, green technology.