What is CIDA Doing?

CIDA continues to respond effectively to the widespread devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, cooperating closely with other Government of Canada departments and agencies, other donor countries, and the Government of Haiti.

Recent contributions

• During her visit to Haiti on April 8, Minister Oda announced additional funding for humanitarian assistance and key projects to support Haiti's action plan. This includes support for the construction of a hospital, police training, and various humanitarian assistance programs.
  
  
• On March 31, at the International Donors' Conference held at the United Nations in New York, Minister Oda announced that the Government of Canada was providing an additional $400 million for humanitarian and reconstruction programs in Haiti.

An immediate response

Within hours of the earthquake, CIDA had launched efforts to assist people affected by the disaster.

• In the days following the earthquake, Canada, through CIDA, provided the people of Haiti with $85 million in humanitarian assistance.
• Through the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, the Government of Canada matched donations made by individuals to registered eligible charities from January 12 to February 12, 2010. Thanks to the generosity of those individuals, the 14 Canadian charities reporting to CIDA raised a total of $220 million.
• On January 16, the first planeload of relief items taken from CIDA's emergency stockpile left for Haiti. The relief items constitute a component of CIDA's Global Rapid Response Project.
• As announced on January 18, CIDA provided financial support for the Norwegian and Canadian Red Cross co-funded emergency field hospital set up in Port-au-Prince.

Our partners

All of these CIDA undertakings require the cooperation of trusted and established partners. There are approximately 70 CIDA-funded Canadian organizations currently active in Haiti. Whether large-scale or small-scale organizations, their level of commitment to this cause is unwavering.

Our personnel

Already committed to improving the lives of Haitians, CIDA personnel have responded to this crisis by redoubling their determination and dedication. It was with deep sadness, moreover, that CIDA personnel learned of the death of two of their colleagues who were in Haiti when the earthquake struck.

CIDA remains determined to give all Haitians hope. Other activities will be undertaken in the future to meet their needs and help them rebuild their lives.