Mr. Speaker, Canadians are shocked by the devastation and destruction caused by the earthquake in Nepal. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost their loved ones and now must try to move on and rebuild. As always when disaster strikes, Canada is quick to respond.
Two C-17 Globemaster strategic lift aircraft from the RCAF have already delivered humanitarian aid, and were also made available to evacuate Canadians from Kathmandu. An assessment group from Canada's Disaster Assistance Response Team is on the ground and assessing exactly what is needed and where our aid needs to go. We have also contributed $5 million in immediate assistance, and will match donations made by Canadians like Rotarians, Lions and Kinsmen. We also acted to ensure that additional consular staff were made available and deployed to provide assistance to Canadians.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our officials on the ground and the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who are doing a great job despite the challenges presented by weather, terrain and the sheer scope of this disaster.