Liberals support all federal government efforts to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti, and encourage all levels of government and all Canadians to take practical steps to help in the coming days.
“This horrible tragedy reminds all Canadians of the ties of friendship and solidarity we have with Haiti, of the Haitian community in Canada that has contributed much to our national life, and we must do everything possible to assist in the recovery in Haiti,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. “The $5 million contribution made by the federal government today is a good start, but we have to go even further.”
Liberals are calling on the federal government to take the following practical actions:
• Provide a substantial federal donation towards international relief efforts;
• Designate charities that Canadians can contribute to that are best suited to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to Haiti, such as the Red Cross, Oxfam Québec, CECI and Doctors Without Borders;
• Commit to match donations; and
• Fast-track immigration processing to reunite Haitian families, expedite family class visas, waive processing fees for new visa applications for family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents from Haiti, and suspend deportations.
Westmount Ville-Marie MP Marc Garneau pointed out how Haiti is still recovering from a number of major storms in recent years, which makes the recovery effort from the current tragedy that much more difficult and more urgent.
“We extend our most sincere condolences to all the families of the victims of this crisis,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the many Haitian-Canadians who fear for the safety of their loved ones in Haiti, and all Canadians who share a connection to a friend or family member in Haiti.”
Papineau MP Justin Trudeau said Liberals will also do their part to encourage all Canadians – through social media and other networks – to do what they can as soon as the relief effort takes shape, needs are identified, and proper channels are established.
“The Liberal Party of Canada is ready to make a donation to relief efforts immediately – and we call on all Liberal members to make contributions to assist the people of Haiti and the many Canadians living there,” said Mr. Trudeau. “All Canadians are united in asking, ‘What can I do to help?’ This is a time when all partisan politics should be put aside.”
