Ottawa, Ontario – A powerful earthquake struck Haiti late Tuesday afternoon, causing death and devastation in the region. According to witnesses, as dusk descended, chaos reigned in the capital, Port-au-Prince, which was surrounded by a large cloud of dust.

Tilly O’Neill Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, spoke about the terrible tragedy: “I was devastated when I heard the news yesterday. Our thoughts are with the people of the Haitian community and their loved ones, who must be going through a very difficult time right now. My thoughts are also with the families of many Canadian workers and police officers posted there on a UN mission, and who have not yet managed to contact their families.”

The tremor, measuring at least 7.0 on the Richter scale, was over a minute long. It completely destroyed the Haitian capital, which has a population of approximately 2.3 million. Several large buildings in the city centre, including the Presidential Palace, the pride of Port-au-Prince, now lie in ruins. Hospitals, hotels and schools have been severely damaged, or worse, they simply crumbled like a house of cards.

The people of Haiti have just suffered a devastating earthquake that has left them on their knees. Already one of the poorest nations on the planet, Haiti is once again facing a very difficult road ahead. “We would like to express our full solidarity and provide concrete support. Accordingly, we are asking everyone in our community to provide tangible assistance in response to the needs expressed by the Haitian community,” stated Ms. O’Neill Gordon. "Once again Miramichi residents are demonstrating their great generosity. People are already working together in the riding, organizing fundraising activities to support the international organizations gearing up to help the people of Haiti,” she concluded.

The government of Canada is sending immediate aid to Haiti.  The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today announced that the Government of Canada will immediately provide up to $5 million for urgent humanitarian assistance to Haitians affected by the catastrophic earthquake on January 12th. This will help provide emergency shelter, medical services, food, relief items, water and sanitation services, as well as protection. Canada will also match individual donations, dollar for dollar, to registered Canadian charitable organizations to support humanitarian and early recovery assistance to people affected by the earthquake.




Emergency Assistance

The Emergency Operations Centre of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An experienced officer is always available to respond to emergency calls from anywhere in the world.


For calls originating in Canada and the U.S., call 1 800 267-6788 or (613) 944-6788.

Canadian citizens outside Canada can call collect from abroad where available to (613) 996-8885.

Some countries also have toll-free lines to contact the Operations Centre in Ottawa.

You can also communicate with us via TTY by dialing 1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or (613)944-1310.


To make a donation :

The Humanitarian Coalition (Oxfam Canada): CLICK HERE

Canadian Red Cross: People can make a donation via our toll free number at
1 800 418-1111 or CLICK HERE

CECI: CLICK HERE