December 22, 2005

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement to mark the one-year anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami:

“On December 26, 2004, an earthquake and massive tsunami devastated several coastal countries, particularly Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and Maldives. The catastrophe was responsible for the deaths of more than 225,000 people, including 20 Canadians, and hundreds of communities were destroyed. Livelihoods were ruined, and people continue to be affected.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I would like to express once again our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. Unprecedented in modern times, the catastrophe has had continued repercussions both in the countries directly affected and throughout the world.

“In keeping with Canada’s humanitarian tradition, all levels of government, and all sectors of society, as well as individual Canadians, contributed to relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. Now, one year later, the rebuilding is well under way. Reconstruction will take years, and Canada is prepared to go the distance. We will continue to assist those affected by the tsunami through direct support for the affected regions and through the promotion of global efforts to enhance international disaster risk reduction and disaster response efforts.”

Complete information about the Government of Canada’s response to the tsunami can be found at www.canada.gc.ca/tsunami.