Home Newsroom 2006 News releases 2006-05-08: Ministerial Statement on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

Statement: Ministerial Statement on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

May 8, 2006 -- As Minister of Public Safety, I am pleased to join in the commemoration today, May 8, of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. This year’s theme pays tribute to the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers who provide universal assistance to people in need.

The Government of Canada enjoys a unique partnership with the Canadian Red Cross on emergency management, and we are proud to celebrate this day with them.

When disaster strikes in Canada, we can depend on Canadian Red Cross staff and volunteers to move quickly to organize relief efforts and to ease the suffering of victims.  When a disaster strikes abroad, the local Red Cross or Red Crescent is often the first to arrive at the scene. If international help is required, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent ensures that help is provided to those who need it most.

The Canadian Red Cross is one of our country’s leading voluntary sector organizations.  Their volunteer network actively delivers a range of services to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. Across the country, they are ready and willing to assist Canadians around the clock.  They are tremendous assets to the country.

There is a strong link between the Department of Public Safety and the Canadian Red Cross, in particular to further public education and outreach on emergency management.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day coincides this year with the 11th National Emergency Preparedness Week, which reminds Canadians to take steps to protect their family and plan for emergencies. 

Together, our two organizations are also marking this day with the signing of an important memorandum of understanding.  This collaborative agreement demonstrates our commitment to serve Canadians as partners, and to encourage a common approach to emergency management in this country. 

It is the goal of the Canadian Red Cross to respond anywhere, anytime.  With our continued partnership, I know that we will continue making communities safer for Canadians.  Join me in celebrating World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day and the tremendous gift of service this organization shares with all of us.

See also:

• Public Safety and the Canadian Red Cross sign important agreement
  

For further information:

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
(613) 991-2863