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Karygiannis calls for
$20 million in Canadian Aid for Bangladesh
Honourable
Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough - Agincourt,
called on the Harper government to commit a further $20 million to
assist the survivors of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.
The recommendation is included in Mr. Karygiannis’ report
on his recent trip to Bangladesh, released on December 15, in
Toronto.
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“I
was overwhelmed by what I witnessed in Bangladesh - the widespread
devastation caused by Cyclone Sidr and the plight of the survivors,”
said Mr. Karygiannis. “Canadian
humanitarian aid organizations are doing a Herculean job of providing
emergency medical assistance and food to those in need.”
On
November 15, 2007, Cyclone Sidr, a Category 4 Cyclone, packing winds of
250 kilometers per hour and a 1.5 metre-high tidal surge, cut a
destructive swath through the coastal regions of Bangladesh.
In its wake, more than 3,200 people died; some 600,000 people
were displaced; thousands of houses and infrastructure were destroyed;
and, the rice crop was all but wiped out.
“The
needs of the people of Bangladesh are tremendous, as they cope with this
tragedy and try to re-build their lives”, said Mr. Karygiannis.
“Canada has already contributed $3 million in humanitarian aid.
However, it is our moral responsibility to provide more
assistance for the short, medium and long-term,”
he added.
Honourable
Jim Karygiannis during a visit to Bangladesh
In
his report, Mr. Karygiannis recommended:
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The immediate activation of the previous Liberal Government’s
protocol to expedite Family Class Sponsorship (Spousal and Parental);
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The immediate re-establishment of the former Liberal
Government’s program to match dollar for dollar, funds raised by
recognized and approved Canadian NGOs;
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The Canadian Government must make sure that countries, which have
pledged aid, live up to their commitments and those countries that have
not offered to help be persuaded to do so;
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The Canadian Government provide development aid to help fishermen
repair their equipment; farmers re-seed their fields and re-build their
livestock; and, to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases;
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The Canadian Government provide funds for the research and
development of a saline-resistant type of rice, which would prevent the
complete destruction of crops by cyclone and/or flood-related damage;
and,
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The Canadian Government provides assistance to help establish
micro-credit lending programs to help small enterprises, helping to
alleviate poverty in the region.
“Canada
needs to engage the Bangladeshi Diaspora in Canada and grassroots
non-governmental organizations abroad. The people of Bangladesh deserve
nothing less.” Mr. Karygiannis further stated.
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