Home The Ambassador Letters September 2, 2005

September 2, 2005
Open Letter to Congress
Washington, DC

Dear American friends,

I have heard from many Canadians from across Canada and from those living the United States about what they, and the Canadian government, can do to help. I am writing to you today to tell you that Canada stands with you - as friends and as family.

On Monday afternoon, our two governments made first contact after the terrible storm, when our Deputy Prime Minister spoke to Secretary Chertoff. Yesterday, our Prime Minister, Paul Martin, spoke to President Bush with the message, "at any time, in any way." And we are ready to help, and, in the words of our Prime Minister "any and all possible assistance - and we will continue to work closely with our neighbours as they deal with this terrible event." We have troops and military assets standing by; we have disaster response personnel ready to go and we have medical supplies at your disposal.

Our provinces are also responding - British Columbia has dispatched an urban search and rescue team, and other provinces are offering their first responders, experts and material to your Ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, to FEMA, or directly to states.

Canadians and Canadian companies are opening their wallets. The Canadian Red Cross is sending its disaster personnel to the disaster area. It is impossible to imagine the pain and suffering of the victims. The task ahead is enormous.

You are our friends and together we are family - you do not suffer alone. We were there after 9/11 with volunteers, teams of rebuilding experts and in fundraisers and rallies across Canada. After our terrible ice storms in 1998, you were there to help us. In forest fires, floods and natural disasters, Canadians and Americans help each other.

And today in New Orleans and throughout the affected South, Canadians are with you.

On Wednesday, September 7, the Canadian Embassy, in partnership with local businesses and radio stations, will be doing its part locally by calling on Canadians in the area and Canadian firms to the Canadian Embassy for a breakfast and lunch fundraiser on the courtyard of the Embassy. All are welcome to attend. Click here for details.

For more information on the Canadian response to Hurricane Katrina, click here.

The victims of Hurricane Katrina are in our hearts and in our prayers. While the task ahead is enormous, you are not alone. May we all find the inner strength we need during these trying times.

Sincerely,

Frank McKenna
Ambassador