Mr. Chair, I would like to thank the minister for his speech. I would also like to thank the government for its quick and full response to this crisis in the Philippines.
I want to bring us back to a more positive note and the kinds of things that have been inspired in my community. A group of volunteers, led by Dominga Passmore, Laila Pires, Leonor Santos, and Annette Beech, very quickly put together a benefit last Friday. The lineup went around the block, in the driving rain. People wanted to come to the dinner and contribute money to the Red Cross, which the government is then going to match.
This action of the government helps us validate that very strong response to the Filipino Canadian community, which always contributes by sending money home. They contribute here by looking after our kids and looking after those who need care in the home. When they step forward very quickly to raise several thousand dollars in one evening, I think it is a very good thing that we can validate that by matching those funds.