- Premier Selinger
Premier Offers Condolences To Those Who Have Lost Family Members
Premier Greg Selinger today offered condolences on behalf of the Province of Manitoba to the people of Haiti for the many deaths and incredible destruction caused by Tuesday’s devastating earthquake.
“Our thoughts are with the people and nation of Haiti who are enduring unimaginable suffering in the wake of yesterday’s earthquake,” Selinger said. “To those who have lost family members, we offer our deepest condolences.”
Selinger pledged $100,000 in support to the Manitoba Council for International Co-operation (MCIC), which will ensure the money will be used for aid and reconstruction in Haiti.
“Nature has struck a cruel blow to a nation that already faced many challenges to provide for its citizens,” Selinger said. “It is important that Manitoba do its part to help the people of Haiti in their time of need.”
Early estimates suggest the earthquake may have killed thousands of people. It damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, heavily damaged the water system, destroyed hospitals and schools, and knocked out electricity in much of the country.
Manitoba is home base for a number of organizations that do relief and development work overseas. The province has developed a unique arrangement that funds these organizations through the MCIC. It is an independent coalition of development organizations that oversees the distribution of development dollars. It works with member organizations to identify on-the-ground needs and acts to ensure assistance is distributed fairly and where it can provide the most benefit.
The provincial government has supported relief efforts of the MCIC in response to several international disasters including the devastating landslide in the Philippines and earthquakes in Indonesia and Pakistan.
