Canada bares additional support for PH

PRIME Minister Stephen Harper today announced additional support for emergency relief activities in the Philippines.

“I am very pleased to announce that our government will commit an additional $15 million towards emergency relief activities that should bring further comfort to the victims of this catastrophe. This brings the government of Canada’s commitment to date to more than $20 million.”

Harper made the announcement during his visit to the Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Parish in Toronto where he met with members of the Filipino-Canadian community to discuss the government’s response to the crisis caused by supertyphoon Yolanda.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those in the Philippines who have been devastated by the typhoon. We are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Filipino-Canadian families who have loved ones that have been affected by this tragic natural disaster,” the prime minister said.

The additional $15 million will be disbursed to a range of humanitarian relief efforts based on appeals from the Canada government’s humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-governmental organizations, who have the expertise and capacity to deliver assistance.

Harper also spoke with President Aquino on Nov. 11 to extend his condolences to the Filipino people, and to offer support to the Philippine government in the aftermath of the natural disaster.