Canada's Haitian Aid Kicks Into High Gear PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 13 January 2010 17:04
Prior to the devastating earthquake Tuesday afternoon in Haiti, the two countries who receive the most aid from Canada are Afghanistan and Haiti in that order. The Canadian government is wasting no time in getting support to the Haitian people.

The DART team is preparing to leave immediately.

The Disaster Assistance Response Team is made up of about 200 Canadian Forces personnel and is designed to quickly fly into disaster areas around the world. The primary goal is to provide emergency services, such as drinking water and medical treatment, until long-term aid arrives.

The Canadian Forces created DART in 1996 because of its experience in Rwanda two years earlier, when international relief organizations arrived too late to save thousands of people from a cholera epidemic.

Since its formation DART has helped disaster victims in Turkey, Honduras, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Defense Minister Peter MacKay announced Wednesday the team will go to Haiti to help the country deal with the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010.

In addition HMCS Halifax is preparing to set out to Haiti. The ship, which will be loaded with humanitarian supplies, was recalled to port from 200 km off the coast of Nova Scotia to be outfitted with a Sea King helicopter and other equipment.

HMCS Ville de Quebec may also be sent as well.

On Thursday Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay said Canadian Forces would deploy a C-17 military transport aircraft that will carry a Griffon helicopter and other equipment and personnel. That aircraft may also be used for evacuation of Canadians.

International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda announced up to $5-million for urgent delivery and distribution by the Red Cross and other relief agencies of basic survival needs: food, water, sanitation, shelter, medical attention and protection. And Canada is working with Norway to deliver and set up a field hospital.



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Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 January 2010 17:25
 

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