December 1, 2006 (7:20 p.m. EST)
No. 148

CANADA RESPONDS TO TYPHOON DURIAN

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, today expressed Canada’s condolences to those families and communities in the central and northern Philippines affected by Typhoon Durian. Minister Verner announced that Canada is immediately allocating $1 million to support the efforts of Philippine and international agencies seeking to provide emergency assistance to people in the typhoon-affected areas, and to assist with early recovery and disaster preparedness initiatives.

“Canada recognizes that this typhoon season has hit the Philippines particularly hard,” said Minister MacKay. “The government of the Philippines has been responding well to the series of storms in the region. But as a concerned friend, Canada wants to ensure that they have all the support they need. That is why we are offering our help early on.”

“When Typhoon Xangsane hit the Philippines in November, the Government of Canada offered immediate assistance”, said Minister Verner. “We know how crucial it is to provide families with emergency shelter and housing, as well as to help the government undertake effective disaster preparedness. Canada’s $1 million contribution today will help mitigate the impact of Durian and help communities prepare better for future emergencies.”

The Government of Canada is contributing $500,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to assist with emergency and temporary shelter, non-food items, water and sanitation. A further $500,000 will be allocated to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives to support local organizations in facilitating the recovery of affected households and addressing future disaster preparedness needs. The Government of Canada provided $550,000 earlier in November to assist with relief and recovery efforts after Typhoon Xangsane.

In February 2006, Canada contributed $300,000 to support relief and early recovery efforts to the communities in the province of Southern Leyte affected by the mudslides. This funding was used to assist children suffering from post-disaster trauma and farming families rebuilding their livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices in disaster-prone areas. Canada also supported activities targeted at upgrading the skills of local officials and communities at high risk to help them better prepare for, and cope with, natural disasters.

Durian is the fourth typhoon to hit the Philippines in three months, and has left a trail of destruction across the central and northern areas of the country, as flooding and storm winds damaged homes, cut power lines and halted sea travel.

While there are no reports of any Canadian citizens affected at this time, Canadian consular officials at our embassy in Manila are working with local authorities and will provide assistance as required.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
http://www.cida.gc.ca