CANADIANS INSTINCTIVELY WANT TO BE GENEROUS
When news broke last week about a massive earthquake hitting Haiti, I happened to be doing a television interview about the government’s unusual suspension of Parliament.
The subject-matter immediately shifted to what Canada should do to help those stricken by this disaster.
The full consequences were not then known, but when a magnitude-7 earthquake hits the poorest country in this hemisphere – expect the worst. And the news since has confirmed a terrible loss of life and horrific damages.
On behalf of the Official Opposition, I called on the Canadian government to deal quickly with two urgent questions:
Would Canada deploy its emergency response team (known as DART) to help provide urgent relief in Haiti? And would the government encourage Canadians to contribute financially by matching individual donations with federal funds?
Fortunately, these suggestions were among the first things included in the government’s response. And that’s good. It’s also good that they’re trying to expedite Haitian emigration to Canada – including 100 children who were in the process of being adopted by Canadian families.
On this latter point, given the dysfunctional reality in Haiti and the dangers facing vulnerable children, our government should make special efforts to cut through international red-tape to help save those young lives.
Three other matters also need to be on the Harper government’s radar screen:
First, let’s make Canada’s response totally inclusive. President Obama has enlisted former Presidents Bush and Clinton to rally all Americans. A similar gesture could be made here.
Second, reconsider the cancellation of financial support for the ecumenical KAIROS organization. It’s a telling point that the very same churches who were punished for being in KAIROS, are now helping to lead the rescue in Haiti.
Third, make a long-term commitment to Haiti. Rebuilding this ravaged country is going to take a long time.
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