News Release

Minister Paradis reiterates Canada’s support to the Philippines

Canada committed to helping Filipinos recover from the impact of Typhoon Hagupit

Ottawa, Ontario – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, reiterated Canada’s support for the people of the Philippines affected by Typhoon Hagupit, which has claimed 22 lives and forced the evacuation of over 1.6 million people.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to those have lost loved ones or have otherwise been affected by this difficult situation,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada stands in solidarity with the Filipino people and will continue to closely monitor events in the region and stand ready to provide further assistance as needed.”

Canadian officials have undertaken a series of consultations with Philippine government officials and the Philippine Armed Forces, as well as with key international agencies, humanitarian organizations and key donors on the ground in order to identify any need for additional Canadian support to the relief and early recovery efforts.

Typhoon Hagupit impacted some areas already affected by Typhoon Haiyan just over a year ago. Following an announcement on November 8, 2014, Minister Paradis also announced that Canada will be extending the deadline for the Typhoon Haiyan Reconstruction Assistance Call for Proposals to February 13, 2015, in order to give Canadian organizations on the ground additional time to mobilize their responses to Hagupit, as needed, and to consider, where necessary, its implications in Haiyan-affected areas.

Quick Facts

• When Typhoon Hagupit hit the Philippines on December 6, 2014, Canada was already preparing a whole-of-government response, working closely with humanitarian partners and the Government of the Philippines.
• In 2014, the Philippines was confirmed as a country of focus for the Government of Canada’s international development efforts.