Oda was to be in Haiti this week on ministerial business
Jan 20, 2010 - 02:31 PM
By Jennifer Stone
DURHAM -- Bev Oda was to have been in Haiti this week.
The Durham MP has been to the island nation twice since taking on the role of Minister of International Cooperation in 2007, and had another trip planned.
"I was to be there yesterday and the day before to announce Canada will be building a new hospital in the area hit by four hurricanes in 2008," Ms. Oda said Tuesday.
But, with Jan. 12's 7.0-magnitude earthquake, her plans changed, and Ms. Oda remained in Ottawa, where she announced $80 million in humanitarian relief for Haiti.
"I can be more effective here in Ottawa, making sure we're responding," Ms. Oda said, noting Canada has had a long relationship with Haiti, and is the second largest donor nation doing work there.
Right now, one of the most pressing issues in Haiti is getting international aid into the country. The small airport near Port Au Prince is handling 100 landings a day, Ms. Oda said. Many are attempting to land in neighbouring Dominican Republic with the supplies and relief workers making the trip into Haiti over land.
Given the issues in transportation, Ms. Oda said it's better she stay in Canada for now.
"If one seat can carry three cartons of water or another doctor, I'd rather that seat go to them," she said.
The federal government has offered to match financial contributions from Canadians to registered charities specifically earmarked for response to the earthquake. But Ms. Oda cautions people to ensure the charity is registered.
That can be done by visiting www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whtsnw/tms/rthqk-haiti-eng.html.
Given transportation issues, monetary donations are the best bet, Ms. Oda said.
"I encourage people to understand that if you want to contribute, the donation of money is the best way," she said.
Haiti has long been a top priority for the Canadian International Development Agency, for which Ms. Oda is responsible, and will continue to be, she said.
"Canada has been in Haiti a long time and will be in Haiti to rebuild it better than ever," she said.
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