Post by KD8ATI on Sept 3, 2005 3:23:01 GMT -5
Hey all,
Thought that this would be some nice stuff to post...
The following is a statement issued by the Government of Canada regarding the current situation along the Gulf coast...
Statement by the Government of Canada on the emergency situation in southern United States
August 31, 2005 -- The Government of Canada today responded to the unfolding crisis in the southern United States in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
“This hurricane was one of the most powerful to hit the United States in recorded history,” said Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “The force of the storm -- combined with the unique geography of the region -- will require relief operations to be undertaken over a long period of time.”
Minister McLellan was in contact with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Monday and informed him that Canada stands ready to provide assistance if needed. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) is coordinating federal assistance efforts in the event that a formal request is made from the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). No request for assistance has been received at this time.
“Following on our offer, the United States Department of Health and Human Services today asked for information on the kind of emergency assistance that our Public Health Agency could provide, and to which our officials are now responding,” added the Minister.
“In addition, we continue to work with our partners in provincial and territorial governments to identify what goods and services we could provide to our American neighbours, should they request our assistance. The United States has a long and proud history of assisting other countries in times of crisis, and we now stand ready to help them in their time of need.”
Financial donations are the most effective way for individual Canadians to assist in the relief efforts. Those wishing to donate may contact the Canadian Red Cross’s 2005 Hurricane Fund at 1-800-418-1111 or online at www.redcross.ca.
Individuals are requested not to report to affected areas to provide assistance.
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There are also several regional & local levels of the government that are also helping. A report out of B.C. is stating that Vancouver-based Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) has been sent to Louisiana, and will meet up with the State police. the 41-member team consists of 32 search and rescue specialists, two doctors, 12 paramedics, four search dogs, two structural engineers, and eight HAZMAT techs.
New Brunswick has also offered support. Here is a quote out of that report.
"New Brunswick and New Brunswickers have a particular bond with the people of Louisiana. The Province of New Brunswick has a co-operation agreement with Louisiana, which takes root in the historic and cultural ties that exist between our francophone and Acadian communities, and promotes economic, cultural and educational co-operation between our two regions."
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Several other provinces have also offered to help out, some of which include, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba. The City of Vancouver and the Canadian Red Cross is also offering their support.
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Reuters is reporting that over 20 countries have offered to help the United States.
The State Department said offers so far had come from Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, Britain, China, Australia, Jamaica, Honduras, Greece, Venezuela, the Organization of American States, NATO, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, South Korea, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Assistance ranged from medical teams, boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators and cash donations.
Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers.
"America should be heartened by the fact that the world is reaching out to America at a time of need," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved
Thought that this would be some nice stuff to post...
The following is a statement issued by the Government of Canada regarding the current situation along the Gulf coast...
Statement by the Government of Canada on the emergency situation in southern United States
August 31, 2005 -- The Government of Canada today responded to the unfolding crisis in the southern United States in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
“This hurricane was one of the most powerful to hit the United States in recorded history,” said Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “The force of the storm -- combined with the unique geography of the region -- will require relief operations to be undertaken over a long period of time.”
Minister McLellan was in contact with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Monday and informed him that Canada stands ready to provide assistance if needed. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) is coordinating federal assistance efforts in the event that a formal request is made from the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). No request for assistance has been received at this time.
“Following on our offer, the United States Department of Health and Human Services today asked for information on the kind of emergency assistance that our Public Health Agency could provide, and to which our officials are now responding,” added the Minister.
“In addition, we continue to work with our partners in provincial and territorial governments to identify what goods and services we could provide to our American neighbours, should they request our assistance. The United States has a long and proud history of assisting other countries in times of crisis, and we now stand ready to help them in their time of need.”
Financial donations are the most effective way for individual Canadians to assist in the relief efforts. Those wishing to donate may contact the Canadian Red Cross’s 2005 Hurricane Fund at 1-800-418-1111 or online at www.redcross.ca.
Individuals are requested not to report to affected areas to provide assistance.
---------
There are also several regional & local levels of the government that are also helping. A report out of B.C. is stating that Vancouver-based Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) has been sent to Louisiana, and will meet up with the State police. the 41-member team consists of 32 search and rescue specialists, two doctors, 12 paramedics, four search dogs, two structural engineers, and eight HAZMAT techs.
New Brunswick has also offered support. Here is a quote out of that report.
"New Brunswick and New Brunswickers have a particular bond with the people of Louisiana. The Province of New Brunswick has a co-operation agreement with Louisiana, which takes root in the historic and cultural ties that exist between our francophone and Acadian communities, and promotes economic, cultural and educational co-operation between our two regions."
----
Several other provinces have also offered to help out, some of which include, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba. The City of Vancouver and the Canadian Red Cross is also offering their support.
-----------------------------------------------
Reuters is reporting that over 20 countries have offered to help the United States.
The State Department said offers so far had come from Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, Britain, China, Australia, Jamaica, Honduras, Greece, Venezuela, the Organization of American States, NATO, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, South Korea, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Assistance ranged from medical teams, boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators and cash donations.
Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers.
"America should be heartened by the fact that the world is reaching out to America at a time of need," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved