Mr. Speaker, late last month heavy rains and flooding devastated the southeastern Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas. Despite rapid Mexican government response, the heavy flood waters destroyed the homes of almost a million people and all of the farm crops, which is their major source of income. This week, more rains and flood waters could further devastate the already battered region.
In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Canada's Liberal government was immediately present in a wide range of capabilities, from deploying over 1,000 Canadian forces to air and sea transport of medical and emergency supplies.
As neighbours, Canada should be stepping up to assist the rebuilding and prevention reconstruction of one of the poorest of regions in the Americas. We have the engineering expertise and the money to do so.
Recently, the Prime Minister vowed to focus his foreign policy on the Americas. Yet, an important poorer neighbour and trading partner has received scant attention and a paltry $500,000 in aid. Even far away Ireland donated one million Euros.
Does the Prime Minister plan to put his money where his mouth is and send further aid to Tabasco or is this the best he can do for a poor neighbour in desperate need?