Standing with Haiti
February 1, 2010 10:15 AM
Nearly three weeks after the earthquake, the situation in Haiti is still urgent – and both the Humanitarian Coalition and the Canadian Labour Congress’ Solidarity with Haiti campaign are still accepting donations. The federal government will double all individual donations made through the site.
On the 19th of January, CUPE donated $100,000 to Oxfam-Quebec to help Haiti deal with the aftermath of the disaster. Throughout the country, CUPE locals are also continuing to raise funds. Initially, during the humanitarian crisis, the people of Haiti need clean drinkable water, food, and medical care to deal with injuries and prevent disease. Oxfam-Quebec, the Red Cross, and their partners are providing those supplies and medical services.
As the immediate crisis improves, CUPE will focus on how it can help with the long-term reconstruction of Haiti, and support efforts for true democracy. CUPE will also lobby for an ambitious plan for rebuilding not only the physical infrastructure of the country, but also the social infrastructure (health care, education, and other public services) – with full-respect for the autonomy and self-determination of the Haitian people.
Finally, CUPE hopes to be able to contribute to a real dialogue on the root causes of the situation in Haiti, which have created systemic poverty and left it particularly vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters.
