Minister Oda mark the anniversary of Operation Stork with some of the families helped by this special initiative to unite Haitian children with their adoptive parents.
In Remembrance of 2010 Earthquake in Haiti
Q: Since it has now been 1 year since the earthquake in Haiti, what are some of the results that Haiti has seen that bears Canada’s help?
A: Food aid • Canada has supplied food to nearly 4.7 million individuals, in addition to supplementary feeding more than 89,000 children and pregnant, lactating women to prevent the deterioration of their nutritional status.
Emergency Supplies and Shelter •more than 56,000 families were equipped with emergency shelter materials, construction of 16,500 transitional shelters, relief supplies to more than 2.2 million people, including more than 370,000 individuals to whom were distributed tarps, tents, shelter kits, ropes, mattresses, blankets, cook sets, jerry cans, hygiene kits, clean delivery kits, newborn kits, and other basic household items.
CIDA coordinated the shipment of urgently needed relief supplies to Haitians affected by the earthquake. Supplies distributed from the emergency stockpile include: 11,400 tarpaulins, 5,820 jerry cans, 5,000 shelter kits, 4,104 buckets, 3,111 kitchen sets, 2,925 blankets, 2,000 mosquito nets, 1,939 hygiene kits and 1,000 tents.
Water •more than 140 million liters of safe drinking water to more than 1.2 million people, and clean water to 118 camps and 8 medical facilities.
Sanitation• effective sanitation; emergency latrines, bathing cubicles, waste water management) for more than 1,467,000 individuals.
Children • 400,000 daily meals for school children were distributed. Supported the education, protection, and development of more than 258,000 children, providing schools-in-a-box, early childhood development kits, recreation kits, and tents for temporary classrooms, structured
recreational and sports activities for youth and by setting up child-friendly spaces. We helped train 70 local social workers in case management and family tracing, registered 1,676 children who were separated from their families (285 children have been reunified with their families; 1,391 are living with extended families or families known to the child).
Health Care •medical care services were given to 90% of displaced individuals in Port-au-Prince. We have treated 108,000 individuals at health care facilities, more than 350 individuals per day are receiving essential surgical and medical care, pre- and post-operation care, primary health care, including vaccinations, education, family planning, health care consultations, first aid and psychosocial support.
For more results achieved through Canada’s contribution in Haiti, please visit this new Web page on our site: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/NAT-11075724-H7Y
Q: What should Canada’s commitment level be to continue to help them rebuild the country?
A: In total, between 2006 and 2012, the Government of Canada will have committed more than $1 billion towards Haiti, which makes this country Canada’s largest aid beneficiary in the Americas. As well, Canada is a member of the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission and the Haiti Reconstruction Fund.
On March 31, 2010 The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that the Government of Canada will provide $400 million over two years for humanitarian and reconstruction programs in Haiti, coordinated with our partners and the Haitian government.
Since January 12, 2010, CIDA has disbursed more than $330 million in Haiti. Of this, $118 million is from our ongoing $555 million long-term development commitment and the remainder is funded through CIDA’s $400 million pledge towards the earthquake and Canada’s initial response of $150.15 million in support of humanitarian assistance and early recovery efforts.
Although these efforts have already resulted in some positive changes, the needs in Haiti are still enormous. With all of the work still to do, Canada remains resolved to support Haiti in the years to come.
Additional funds are being approved regularly as projects become ready.
A summary of Canada’s financial contributions to Haiti in response to the Earthquake can be found at this link: http://www.cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/FRA-4810272-JXY
A summary of CIDA’s Humanitarian assistance can be found at this link: http://www.cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/NAT-611450-P87
Q: What is Canada’s message for Haiti as they continue to rebuild?
A: “Canada remains committed to the people of Haiti. The victims of the earthquake and now the cholera epidemic are in the thoughts of all Canadians. Canada will continue to provide the humanitarian and recovery support needed for the people of Haiti to see a bright future for their families and the country”.
Q: What can individual Canadian’s do to continue to help with the rebuilding of this nation?
A: The best way you can help earthquake victims in Haiti is to make cash donations to established humanitarian agencies, instead of donating clothing, food, or other items. In the first two months after the earthquake, Canadians donated a total of $220 million to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. Canada pledged to match donations made by Canadians through this fund and continues to identify projects eligible for funding.
For more information on how Canadians can help, please visit this link: http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/ACDI-CIDA.nsf/eng/NAD-11511233-LTN
Please visit this page for more information on how Canadians can help during major disasters and other emergencies abroad: http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/canadians_help-aide_canadien.aspx
by Honore Gbedze
