15 November 2013 - Development Minister and Minister for La Francophonie Christian Paradis signed the Condolence Book opened at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa for the victims of the devastation brought about by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), as the Minister personally conveyed to Ambassador Leslie Gatan his deepest sympathies at the tremendous loss of lives in the Philippines. Minister Paradis expressed the hope that efforts from everybody, including Canada`s, will contribute to help the people of the Philippines to get through this terrible tragedy. He wished the Filipino well and assured that Canadian are with them in these difficult times.

Earlier, Canada, through Minister Paradis, was among those who responded quickly to aid relief efforts by releasing CA$5 million. Canada subsequently set up the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Matching Fund, where the Federal Government will match donations of Canadians dollar for dollar. Canada has also dispatched its Disaster Assistance Reponse Team (DART), which is now undertaking releif operations in Iloilo province. Canada has also partnered with the Canadina Red Cross in deploying shelter kits in affected areas.

A host of other civic groups such as the Canadian Medical Assistance Team (CMAT) and the Rotary Clubs in Canada are extending relief support and assistance in the affected regions.

Paradis informed Ambassador Gatan that Canada will continue to extend assistance only during the relief stage but also in the reconstruction stage. END