CANADA'S RESPONSE TO PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE

UNCLAS OTTAWA 003278 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR SA AND WHA/CAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID MARR MOPS PHUM PREL PK CA SUBJECT: CANADA'S RESPONSE TO PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE REF: A. STATE 200915 ¶B. OTTAWA 3198 ¶C. OTTAWA 3167 ¶D. ISLAMABAD 15856 ¶1. (SBU) DCM conveyed ref A points November 1 to Jonathan Fried, the Prime Minister's senior foreign policy advisor. We provided follow-up copies to Foreign Affairs Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency. Canada responded quickly and generously to the South Asian earthquake (summary below) and continues to evaluate needs. Fried reminded us that Canada was already making a considerable contribution, proudly pointing out that on a per-capita or per-GDP basis their response is probably larger than that of the U.S. He added it is a given that the GOC will encourage other donors to give more generously. (Note: Canada's population and GDP are about one tenth those of the U.S. End Note.) The GOC has confirmed that supplies collected by Pakistan's consul general in Toronto would be useful in earthquake relief and are working with the GOP on the most effective way to transport the goods (para 4). C$57 million so far... -------------- ¶2. (U) Canada's initial C$300,000 contribution (approximately US$255,000) on October 8 was quickly followed on October 10 by C$20 million (about US$17 million),part of which was allocated to winterized blankets, other basic needs and long-term reconstruction. The funding was distributed through the ICRC, the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, and Save the Children Canada. The GOC also sent experts to the region to assess future needs (ref B). ¶3. (U) On October 26, the GOC announced an additional C$20 million for humanitarian assistance, relief and reconstruction efforts. That commitment, plus the cost of deploying Canada's DART team, bring the total to C$57 million (almost US$50 million). Private donations -------------- ¶4. (SBU) We understand that the winterized tents provided by the Canadian NGO (Refs C and D) have arrived in Pakistan. Foreign Affairs Canada has confirmed that the Pakistani CG in Toronto has assembled about 130,000 pounds of medical and related supplies. The GOC and Pakistani CG are evaluating the most effective way to expedite shipment of the supplies. Visit Canada's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/ottawa DICKSON