Canadian death toll in Haiti rises to six
Posted Jan 16, 2010 07:27:20 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Canadian death toll from this week’s earthquake in Haiti has risen to six.
The Prime Minister’s Office says two people working for the Canadian International Development Agency died as a result of Tuesday’s earthquake in the Caribbean country.
A news release from the PMO identifies the dead as Guillaume Siemienski, a CIDA employee and Helene Rivard who was working as a consultant to CIDA.
An RCMP officer, a couple from Montreal and an Ontario nurse were confirmed dead earlier this week.
More than 1,400 Canadians in Haiti are listed as missing.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has expressed sadness at the deaths.
Survivors are being flown off the island as quickly as possible amid rising anger among Haitians over the slow movement of aid.
Governor General Michaelle Jean says the Canadian outpouring of support for the Haitian people shows them they are not alone.
“It brings me back to life and gives me hope. All the messages have reached me, expressions of sympathy and solidarity with the families in mourning,” she said.
Jean is from Haiti and has been deeply affected by the tragedy.
U.S. President Barack Obama will meet with former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton on Saturday to discuss private fundraising efforts to help Haiti, promising an expansive and long term rebuilding effort.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon says U.S. military presence in and around Haiti could grow beyond 10,000 troops as part of efforts to distribute aid and prevent potential rioting.
