Mr. Speaker, Canada has been standing with the Filipino people from day one of the terrible tragedy brought on by Typhoon Haiyan.
Today the Prime Minister announced Canada will contribute another $15 million for emergency shelter, water, food, and other essential services, bringing the total Canadian government contribution to $20 million.
We have also deployed two of our renowned disaster assistance response teams, DART, to provide medical supplies, water, and engineering expertise to many in Iloilo. However, governments cannot lead this effort alone. That is why on November 10 the Government of Canada established the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund. Canadians have donated nearly $16 million already to this fund.
I would ask all parliamentarians to join me in appealing to the overwhelming generosity of Canadians to help support this fund. I assure this House and the people of the Philippines that Canada stands ready to do what it takes to help the Filipino people through this tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them in these difficult times.