NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2011JTI0055-000376 April 12, 2011

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

 

B.C. matches five forest firms’ donations to Japanese relief

 

VICTORIA – The provincial government is matching the generosity of five B.C. forest firms by sending another $500,000 to Japan to help the Red Cross provide urgently needed relief after last month’s earthquake and tsunami, Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, announced today.

 

Canfor, the Canfor Pulp Limited Partnership, Interfor, Tolko Industries and West Fraser Timber announced today that they are each contributing $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross, which will transfer the money to the Japanese Red Cross to provide medical supplies, blankets, food, water and other urgently needed materials.

 

The new funding brings the provincial government’s contribution to $1 million, including the $500,000 provided to the Red Cross on March 17. All BC Liquor Stores are collecting donations for the relief effort as well.

 

The provincial government is also working with the forest industry to provide reconstruction assistance to Japan once the immediate needs for emergency aid have been met.

 

Recent media reports say more than 27,000 people have been killed or are missing following the 9.0-magnitude earthquake on March 11, and the subsequent tsunami. Thousands of survivors are still living in evacuation centres, and hundreds of thousands are homeless.

 

 

Quotes:

 

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation –

 

“Our government and B.C.’s forest industry have a long-standing relationship with Japan, and we are working together to provide relief from the devastation caused by last month’s earthquake and tsunami. Premier Christy Clark and our team felt strongly that it was important for British Columbia to further support the millions of Japanese people whose lives have been torn apart by these disasters.”

 

 

Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General  –

 

“British Columbians, government and industry are all offering support to the people of Japan in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy. The Red Cross is front and centre for relief efforts, and I encourage everyone in this province to consider supporting their humanitarian work.”

 

 

Learn More:

 

More information about the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in Japan is available at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1 800 418-1111.

 

 

Contact:

Carolyn Heiman Communications Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 250 387-2799

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect