Canada engaged in comprehensive relief effort for Haiti

by Zhang Dacheng, Yang Shilong

OTTAWA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Canada has been engaged in a comprehensive relief effort in quake-stricken Haiti, Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said Thursday.

"We have set in motion a rapid, comprehensive and determined disaster relief effort," Cannon told a press conference.

Canada has deployed essential supplies including 2,925 blankets, 4,104 buckets with lids, 1,200 hygiene kits and 3,111 kitchen sets, he said.

Currently there are 51 government officials, 33 embassy staffers and over 900 soldiers in Haiti and more Canadians will be deployed, he said.

The top diplomat said continued work is needed toward an international conference on Haiti next Monday in Montreal that will attract delegates from 11 countries as well as international organizations and development banks.

As quake aid enters its 10th day, coordination on the ground continues making progress, he said. "Port-au-Prince and Jacmel are slowly opening up to receive shipments, but logistical challenges remain, and this is not unusual with a humanitarian operation of this size."

Cannon also said that 13 Canadians have been confirmed dead and 357 are still unaccounted for.

Since the beginning of the crisis, 20 flights have transported a total of 1,765 evacuees to Canada.