Mr. Speaker, over the past year the Red Cross has experienced many changes. However, its fundamental commitment toward helping relieve human suffering remains the same.
During last year's ice storm the Canadian Red Cross mobilized some 3,300 staff and volunteers to help those affected by the disaster. Last September it assisted with the Swissair crash off Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia.
In addition to programs such as water safety, emergency services and first aid, the Red Cross offers programs from homecare support to abuse and suicide prevention programs.
Overseas the Canadian Red Cross is part of a network of 175 Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and has sent relief workers on many humanitarian missions.
The Canadian Red Cross would like to thank the Canadian public which generously donated $6 million to its hurricane Mitch relief fund.
I ask all hon. members to join me in proclaiming March as Red Cross month.