The federal government has responded quickly to the call to action following the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12.

We have all shared in the horror of this event through the daily media coverage, and it’s likely that Haiti will be reeling from this natural disaster for months and years. Canada has a proud legacy for helping the people of Haiti try to rise above their circumstances, and the need for rehabilitation is suddenly greater than ever.

The Canadian Forces launched into action by sending our Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which includes engineering, medical, logistical, defence and security personnel. We have also provided a Naval Task Force, comprised of a destroyer and frigate, and a Sea King helicopter. Canada is supplying six Griffon helicopters, a light infantry battalion, Hercules airlift support, and medical facilities. We are also furnishing logistical supplies, vehicles, communications equipment, basic food rations and sand water purification systems.

Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has been fully engaged in the Haiti crisis and we will remain engaged in the future. Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive and the Friends of Haiti ministers have accepted Canada’s invitation to convene a meeting of foreign ministers and key multilateral players on January 25 in Montreal. This meeting will allow us to begin the planning process for a major conference on the reconstruction of Haiti.

The Montreal meeting, which will be chaired by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon, will provide an opportunity to reassess the situation in Haiti. It will provide clarity to the United Nations’ international efforts to help the Haitian people meet the current challenges and prepare for long-term stabilization and reconstruction.

On the ground in Haiti, Brigadier-General Guy Laroche, the Commander of the Canadian Forces Operational Task Force, is conducting extensive consultations and reconnaissance to determine where Canadian efforts will have the greatest effect. We continue to refine our mission and area of operations in consultation with the Haitian government and our international partners.

Even in the face of such severe devastation, it is heartening to see the international effort to help people in such obvious dire need. It is our responsibility as human beings to provide comfort to those who are suffering, and we may all share in the accomplishment when the tragedy is finally past.

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