CIDA - Canadian International Development Agency : Third anniversary of earthquake in Haiti

January 11, 2013

Three years ago tomorrow, a devastating earthquake shook the already-fragile Caribbean nation of Haiti. It took 35 seconds to claim the lives of more than 230,000 men, women and children, and injure 300,000 more. Many Canadians working in partnership with Haitians also died on that day including; RCMP officers, development and humanitarian workers.

Canada's work in Haiti demonstrates that our humanitarian assistance ultimately saves lives. As the magnitude of the tragedy set in, our government moved quickly to provide immediate disaster relief in Haiti. As a result, more than 4.9 million Haitians received emergency food assistance and 1.7 million people had daily access to safe drinking water.

As we mark the third anniversary of this tragic event, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives and stand with the people of Haiti who hope for a more secure and prosperous future.

Julian Fantino
Minister of International Cooperation

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