StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-July 15, 2011-OTTAWA - Liberal Leader Bob Rae, Liberal International Cooperation Critic Mark Eyking, and Liberal Multiculturalism Critic Jim Karygiannis today urged the government to provide an immediate one-time emergency donation of $10 million dollars for humanitarian aid to address the pressing needs of the affected population in East Africa.
“The devastating results of the drought now affecting the Horn of Africa are of deep concern to the Liberal Party, and we believe it is imperative that the Conservative government act immediately to assist those in need,” said Mr. Rae. “The drought has compelled people to flee to neighbouring areas, only to face poor sanitation and living conditions in overcrowded relief camps – a situation that will only worsen without significant assistance.”
Mr. Eyking added, “The United Nations has affirmed that water is a basic human right, and we as Canadians must do our part to help the people of the Horn of Africa gain access to clean and safe drinking water for their survival. That is why we are also calling on the government to match dollar for dollar the money that is being raised by government-approved, Canadian non-governmental organizations in order to provide humanitarian aid. The generosity of Canadians must be mirrored by their government in times of international crisis – and we hope that this time, unlike after the earthquake in Haiti, the government will act swiftly without having to be pushed.”
Members of the Liberal Caucus will meet with the affected communities in Canada over the coming days to discuss further steps that Canada should take to help the people of the Horn of Africa.
“We will reach out to the many communities in our country dealing with the immense scope of this crisis to offer our full support,” concluded Mr. Karygiannis. “The Harper government has a moral responsibility to help alleviate this widespread human suffering, and we hope that it will act accordingly in this time of need.”
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