Canada offers Troops & Expertise to aid relief efforts

minir · Post by **minir** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 6:53 am

Hi to all

Just to let you know your Neighbours to the north are with you 110% as I'm sure most other Counties are as well.

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OTTAWA -- Canada has offered to supply the U.S. with troops, military engineers and water purification expertise to assist in relief efforts in devastated areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.

Gen. Rick Hillier spoke to his U.S. counterpart Gen. Richard B. Myers late yesterday and made the offer, confirmed Steve Jurgutis, spokesman for Defence Minister Bill Graham. America's health and human services department also contacted the Canadian Public Health Agency yesterday and asked for an inventory of medical supplies and personnel that could be provided.

But Canada has yet to receive a request for assistance, Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan said.

"There may very well be things that they will need, whether in the short term or as the days go ahead. For example, clean water is at a premium now," she said.

"We need to work closely with the United States so that we understand what they need the most, at the right time."

Prime Minister Paul Martin vowed Canada will provide any emergency help our U.S. neighbours need. "During this most difficult time, Canada stands with you, and we are ready to provide whatever support you may require in the days, weeks and months ahead," he said.

"We are sending some of our most highly trained disaster response volunteers," said Red Cross spokesman Suzanne Charest. "They will be dealing with people who are grieving, who have faced an extraordinary amount of loss, so they have to be trained to deal with this sort of thing."

Cash donations can be made by calling 1-800-418-1111.

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Canada offers storm aid to U.S.

By LISA ARROWSMITH

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EDMONTON (CP) - Canadian officials have started getting ready to send whatever type of aid the United States requires to help with the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan said Wednesday.

"We want to reassure the president and the people of the United States that we are their best friends and their neighbour, and we will be there to help them in a situation that truly is without parallel in our country or theirs," said McLellan.

"Yesterday, the Department of Human Health Services in the U.S. contacted our public health agency and asked for an inventory of emergency supplies that, if they need them, we could send at a moment's notice."

That inventory was completed Wednesday.

American officials are still assessing their needs, but in coming days Canada will be prepared to send everything from water purification systems to the Canadian military's Disaster Assistance Response Team.

Asked by reporters about the effect of Katrina on the Canadian economy - such as sharply higher oil prices as a result of supply disruptions - McLellan acknowledged there could be an impact but stressed she wants to focus on the human tragedy of the disaster at this moment.

Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale didn't put any limits on the financial or in-kind contributions Canada could make to the rescue and reconstruction efforts.

"If we've got it, and the Americans need it, obviously, we'll be there," he told the Regina Leader-Post.

Goodale cited the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration as a possible way in which Canada can help in the re-building effort.

"PFRA is one of the pre-eminent agencies in the world on waterflows," he said.

"Obviously, this is a human tragedy of enormous proportions, and the government of Canada and the people of Canada will want to be of every possible assistance we can be to our neighbors at a time of great distress."

Prime Minister Paul Martin was set to speak by phone Thursday with U.S. President George W. Bush about what Canada can do to help the reconstruction effort.

B.C.'s provincial Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team was leaving for Lafayette, La. on Wednesday.

The state's governor's office had requested help from the team, Solicitor General John Les said.

"We're the first non-U.S.-based team to be requested," Les said. "They're going to be helping as many people as they can."

The 45-person Vancouver-based team is trained in urban disaster relief and had been dispatched to Southeast Asia after the Boxing Day tsunami.

Elsewhere in Canada, Ontario is looking into whether its medical and hydro workers can help, and Premier Dalton McGuinty spoke to the U.S. ambassador to Canada asking what the province can do.

"We stand at the ready to assist," said McGuinty, who added Ontario could help with its Emergency Medical Assistance Team.

Relief efforts by Canadians in disaster zones are largely organized in Ottawa, but McGuinty said he wants to know from Ambassador David Wilkins what specifically Ontario can do.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said officials with Manitoba Hydro have also offered to send staff to the affected areas to help restore power.

At least 125 people have died in the severely flooded states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, while New Orleans is a swamp with about 80 per cent of the city under water.

A spokeswoman for the Canadian Red Cross said lists of volunteers experienced in large-scale disasters were being assembled.

Suzanne Charest said agency officials expect a handful of volunteers may be ready to travel to Louisiana and Mississippi sometime this weekend.

"If you look at the impact of hurricane Katrina, we'll be sending well over 100 Canadian Red Cross workers in the coming weeks," Charest said from Ottawa.

Most of the volunteers will help spell off exhausted American relief workers in the coming months, she said. The Canadians will put in three weeks of gruelling, emotionally draining work that could see them huddling in shelters in sleeping bags along with those left homeless.

"They'll be interviewing families to see what kind of resources they need. Maybe they've lost their house, they need clean-up kits, they need financial support, they can't work."

A spokeswoman for Mennonite Disaster Service in Winnipeg said its sister agency in the U.S. is sending three or four investigators to Mississippi where they hope to set up a base camp for volunteers to help rebuild homes.

More than 500 Canadian Mennonites may eventually be sent to the U.S., said Lois Nickel of the church-based relief organization.

The first priority is to cut up downed trees and get them off power lines and roads, she said.

"Some folks from surrounding states that volunteer with us are hoping to go into parts of Alabama already this weekend to do chainsawing," said Nickel.

"Up here, our job right now is to take calls for donations."

Some aid was already heading south Wednesday. A crew of 10 hydro-line workers from Chatham-Kent Hydro in Ontario was on its way to help restore power to homes and businesses.

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Your in Our Hearts & Prayers

minir

blebs · Post by **blebs** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:03 am

Thanks Minir, I can only hope that our president realizes that for a change, we need some outside help and actually asks for it. I think the time has come.

wee96 · Post by **wee96** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:12 am

Thanks Canada

minir · Post by **minir** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:36 am

Good Morning blebs & wee

blebs
I'm sure your President is accessing the situation and gathering all the information he can, to do whats needed for your Country & its People. It takes time to gather the Forces needed and present them with a Plan so they are not scrambling over one another, trying to help. It is frustrating I'm sure when it appears things are not being done, but behind the scenes i can assure you people are having sleepless nights organizing the relief efforts that will be required over the coming months.

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wee
Thanks wee, but no Thanks is necessary. Its simply people helping people and that's just the Right Thing to do, in times such as this.

We are all concerned over your situation and people around the World will respond as they had for 911.

When you look at something like this, there are no Borders or Politics, simply People feeling Your Pain and wanting to do whatever they can to help ease your burden.

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Good Luck to All

minir

cyberskye · Post by **cyberskye** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:08 pm

Thanks for the news Minir. I never had a doubt that our Northern Brothers would be there if asked.

Regards,

Skye

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:19 pm

Bush needs to ask for help, come on now. He needs to do everything he can, and so far IMO he isn't.

thepieman · Post by **thepieman** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:23 pm

cyberskye wrote:Thanks for the news Minir. I never had a doubt that our Northern Brothers would be there if asked.

Regards,

Skye

brembo · Post by **brembo** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:26 pm

Wadda they gonna do? Float down on rafts made of Molsen bottles?

Stand and shout at the water "TAKE OFF EH!"?

...and all we'll be left with is an annoying disposable toque menace on the streets.

Canada is a good neighbor, could not ask for a better one. Thanks to you and the folks like you minir.

Izzo · Post by **Izzo** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:37 pm

I'll accept the help on behalf of our d!p***** president

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:39 pm

Thanks we need it.

minir · Post by **minir** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:22 pm

Hi cyberskye, Brent, Pie, brembo, Izzo & Lefty

No Thanks necessary as stated prior Guys, its simply people pitching in, in anyway possible, to help where we can.

Your President and His Adviser's will sort things out soon I'm sure, so that all offers of help can be utilized to there fullest and best advantage. It is a massive problem and one which unfortunately will take time to both co-ordinate and get underway in some areas.

God Bless those who are suffering through it. It simply tortures ones mind to even try to comprehend the stress everyone their is under.

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regards

minir

Dan · Post by **Dan** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:58 pm

minir wrote:Hi to all

Just to let you know your Neighbours to the north are with you 110% as I'm sure most other Counties are as well.

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Your in Our Hearts & Prayers

minir

thanks Larry and all the canadians.....

koldchillah · Post by **koldchillah** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 8:52 pm

Thats awesome Minir..

Cheers to you good neighbor!

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 8:55 pm

minir wrote:Hi cyberskye, Brent, Pie, brembo, Izzo & Lefty

No Thanks necessary as stated prior Guys, its simply people pitching in, in anyway possible, to help where we can.

Your President and His Adviser's will sort things out soon I'm sure, so that all offers of help can be utilized to there fullest and best advantage. It is a massive problem and one which unfortunately will take time to both co-ordinate and get underway in some areas.

God Bless those who are suffering through it. It simply tortures ones mind to even try to comprehend the stress everyone their is under.

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regards

minir

I appreciate the help offer, as we in the Northeast are tring to send, but its so difficult when you have no where for them to stay. Its a logitical nightmare.

minir · Post by **minir** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:29 pm

Hi Dan, koldchillah & Lefty

Good Luck, we're Praying for the best to come about soon.

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regards

Larry

Humboldt · Post by **Humboldt** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:49 pm

Excellent, thanks for the post Minir.

Hope you're doing well.

minir · Post by **minir** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:43 am

Hi Humboldt

Your most Welcome Humboldt. As to me, I'm just fine Thanks. Sometimes it takes something of this magnitude to realize just how fortunate we really are, compared to some.

Stay safe Humboldt

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regards

minir

morbidpete · Post by **morbidpete** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:51 am

thats great to hear. first good new out of any country helping us that i have heard. (not bashing any other country as i am ignorant on most of the situation)

Croc · Post by **Croc** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:36 am

Good one Larry. Great to see offers of assistance coming in. Lord know they need it down.... err.... up... there.

Our PM has offered some of our Disaster Specialists and is looking at other options/needs as they come up. All that's needed is for o'l George to accept and they are on their way.
I cannot understand why these offers aren't just snapped up. The people we offered are fresh from tsunami affected areas, ready to go and really know their stuff.

Come on George, pick up the phone and dial.

Gentry · Post by **Gentry** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:42 am

Why does President Bush need to ASK for help? We help countries all over this world, we contribute more money and resources to the ****ing U.N. than any other country in the world. I think other countries should be OFFERING us help and support. Not just, oh you're in our thoughts and prayers, how about something concrete...money, food, medical supplies, etc. God knows our Allies around the globe should have plenty of it, seeming how we contribute the majority of needed goods to other countries around the globe when they are in need.

emilyb · Post by **emilyb** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:48 am

Gentry wrote:Why does President Bush need to ASK for help? We help countries all over this world, we contribute more money and resources to the ****ing U.N. than any other country in the world. I think other countries should be OFFERING us help and support. Not just, oh you're in our thoughts and prayers, how about something concrete...money, food, medical supplies, etc. God knows our Allies around the globe should have plenty of it, seeming how we contribute the majority of needed goods to other countries around the globe when they are in need.

They ARE offering. What do you want them to do, just stuff a few billion in a box address "New Orleans"?? Asking" here is not equated to going begging...it's equated to picking up the phone and saying thanks for your offer, please send xxx to xxx at xxx time. The OFFERS are there, the INSTRUCTIONS are not.

Gentry · Post by **Gentry** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:02 am

Really, and you know this how? Have you personally been screening calls for the President?

chimdogger · Post by **chimdogger** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:23 am

Gentry wrote:Really, and you know this how? Have you personally been screening calls for the President?

STFU!

Annoying people piss me off.

Great Article Minir. Hope our fearless leaders will get the ball rolling...

emilyb · Post by **emilyb** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:25 am

Gentry wrote:Really, and you know this how? Have you personally been screening calls for the President?

Read a little.

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:30 am

chimdogger wrote: Annoying people piss me off.

Rep points given

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:52 am

Larry...thank YOU and YOUR country ever so much for reaching out and offering help. The balk seems to be in THIS country...and it makes me very very sad. I realize it is a difficult situation, for as someone on our boards pointed out...this type of tragedy brings out both the best and the worst in people..

..but what is MORE tragic...than the powers that be...balking on outside assistance?? It just makes me SICK! Forgive our ignorance!!

Gentry · Post by **Gentry** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:05 pm

Yeah, thanks soooo Much Canada, for all you've done for us here in the U.S. Thanks for you're support overseas too. The world needs more great countries like you!!

Don't forgive My ignorance, because I'm not ignorant. I only an American who's not going to piss all over myself because someone who normally talks **it about us, and bad mouths us all over the world, has decided to lend a helping hand.

cyberskye · Post by **cyberskye** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:23 pm

Gentry wrote:Yeah, thanks soooo Much Canada, for all you've done for us here in the U.S. Thanks for you're support overseas too. The world needs more great countries like you!!

Don't forgive My ignorance, because I'm not ignorant. I only an American who's not going to piss all over myself because someone who normally talks **it about us, and bad mouths us all over the world, has decided to lend a helping hand.

Please post this crap somewhere else. Minir is sharing positive news and this is your response?

Please create your own thread complaining about a lack of support so that we may paste it with all the examples of countries all over the world offering help - of which we have accepted none.

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:33 pm

cyberskye wrote:Please post this crap somewhere else. Minir is sharing positive news and this is your response?

Please create your own thread complaining about a lack of support so that we may paste it with all the examples of countries all over the world offering help - of which we have accepted none.

Whoa!!!!!!! Absolutely agreed Sir!! Canada is and akways has been a fantastic allie for and to us...I wonder if you have fallen prey to the few. and their one sided opinions here...there is always some controversy...however Minir.....nor most of his country fall into that catagory. Me thinks you need to lookat the majority here!!

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 12:36 pm

MissTynker2 wrote:Whoa!!!!!!! Absolutely agreed Sir!! Canada is and aways has been a fantastic ally for and to us...I wonder if you have fallen prey to the few. and their one sided opinions here...there is always some controversy...however Minir.....nor most of his country fall into that catagory. Me thinks you need to lookat the majority here!!

P.S Cyber...I woulda given you positive rep points on that post...had you allowed!

Croc · Post by **Croc** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:00 pm

Gentry wrote:Yeah, thanks soooo Much Canada, for all you've done for us here in the U.S. Thanks for you're support overseas too. The world needs more great countries like you!!

Don't forgive My ignorance, because I'm not ignorant. I only an American who's not going to piss all over myself because someone who normally talks **it about us, and bad mouths us all over the world, has decided to lend a helping hand.

I also think you should calm down and realise that it's protocol stopping overseas assistance from just arriving. Protocol set by the American Government, not by those offering. Once the protocols are in place, you will see assistance arrive. Also realise that large amounts of money have been handed over to organisations like the American Red Cross to help them with this disaster so I don't think other countries are sitting on their hands at all. They are doing what they can.
In the meantime, take your thoughts and shove em.

JMHO.

minir · Post by **minir** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:02 pm

Hi morbidpete, Croc, emilyb, chimdogger, Lefty, MissTynker, cyberskye

morbidpete
There are many offers flooding into the USA according to our News Media and Government releases. The US is evaluating what they need and where and will respond when sorted out.

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Croc
I think the offers are much appreciated Croc, but no sense rushing in things they already have or are unable to employ at the moment. When the logistics are sorted out they will undoubtedly take advantage of others generosity.

Whats needed most i think is Cash.

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Gentry
Opening a Newspaper might supply you with what is happening around the Globe. Foreign powers cannot simply walk across the border or fly in on their own. Permission is needed from the US Government.

As to the rest of your remarks aimed at Canada and Other Countries, they are unnecessary, ignorant and insulting. Congrats you've just made it onto my ignore list first shot, A Hole.

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emilyb
Right on emilyb

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chimdogger
Me Too

&
Your most Welcome

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Lefty
Yep!

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MissTynker
It will sort itself out MissTynker. They are not refusing, simply evaluating their needs.

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cyberskye
Good suggestion

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regards

minir

Croc · Post by **Croc** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:14 pm

I could not agree more, Larry.
Just got a burr under my saddle, lol
We've been here before when Darwin was flattened and that city was closed down and rebuilt. It all takes time and Darwin (Cyclone Tracey) was not even close to the magnitude of Katrina. The Brisbane floods of 1974 are another example.
We all have examples and in every case they take time and money is the key factor in all of them. Lot's of it and quickly. That's happened.

Take care.

John

X-Nemesis · Post by **X-Nemesis** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:18 pm

And still thousands are being killed in Sudan every day...think about that. Let's not forget the abduction of children who are forced to kill/torture there parents before they are taken by the resistance army and then taught how to kill. Also the rape and abuse of women.

So much for people helping people. Cause this world sure ain't doing **** about it.

What a joke!!

Let's hold another news conference or pull out that great political word "Condemn"...ahh..now we feel better about ourselves.

minir · Post by **minir** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 4:36 pm

Hi Croc & X-Nemesis

Croc
Thats allowed when confronted by the ignorant John

Its a sad day when these things take place Croc and as you say, time and money are key ingredients to solving the crisis. Unfortunately its never quick enough and people suffer, but there is little one can do immediately when something of this scope hits. You use what you have and hope for the best as things start to shape up so larger efforts can be directed where needed.

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X-Nemesis
This is not a Political thread and your comments have little bearing on what is happening at the moment imho.

There are many problems in the World that exist, the one at hand is trying to save people who where hit by a horrendous hurricane and the resulting flooding. Trying to understand why it takes so long to gain a foothold in helping is agonizing, but rest assured there are many people working diligently to resolve these problems.

As to people helping others, there are masses of examples of that throughout time.

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regards

minir

Dan · Post by **Dan** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:03 pm

I don't understand why the president did'nt start preparing & moving national resources towards the general area of the storm path knowing in full advance that it was staying a cat 5 storm and was going to bad one way or the other,that was a mistake IMO.

it's not like it was an earthquake or bombing that was 100% surprise.

cyberskye · Post by **cyberskye** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:28 pm

Dan wrote:I don't understand why the president did'nt start preparing & moving national resources towards the general area of the storm path knowing in full advance that it was staying a cat 5 storm and was going to bad one way or the other,that was a mistake IMO.

it's not like it was an earthquake or bombing that was 100% surprise.

There's too much bureaucracy. And many National Guardsmen are allocated elsewhere in the world. Same reason we haven't jumped yet on every offer of aid. The Feds aren't yet sure what is needed and what the next steps are.

cyberskye · Post by **cyberskye** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:31 pm

MissTynker2 wrote:P.S Cyber...I woulda given you positive rep points on that post...had you allowed!

You can still give reps - I just choose not to display mine...

Cheers,

Skye

Jamie_R · Post by **Jamie_R** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:44 pm

Hi Minir!

on behalf of the entire United States Of America, I would like to thank our Canadian friends

Minir, you can represent Canada, and we can just get everything straightened out right here on SG .... we'll prolly have give W a membership tho

Spammy · Post by **Spammy** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:49 pm

Jamie_R wrote:Hi Minir!

on behalf of the entire United States Of America, I would like to thank our Canadian friends

Minir, you can represent Canada, and we can just get everything straightened out right here on SG .... we'll prolly have give W a membership tho