Premier Pat Binns says that Islanders are ready and willing to help the people of the southern United States who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
The Premier relayed that he has been in contact with both Ambassadors Frank McKenna, Canada's Ambassador to the United States, and David Wilkins, the United States Ambassador to Canada, to discuss Prince Edward Island's willingness to offer support and assistance during this very difficult time.
Binns has formalized his offer by way of a letter to Ambassador Wilkins. The Premier indicated that, in this particular circumstance, the Acadian and Francophone community is especially motivated to lend a helping hand.
“There are natural linkages between Acadians from this region of Canada and Louisiana, as many Acadians eventually settled in Louisiana some 250 years ago. I have talked with representatives of the Island’s Acadian community and we are in the process of establishing a committee to coordinate efforts to provide support and shelter to displaced victims,” said Premier Binns.
The Premier noted that Prince Edward Islanders in all regions of the province are generous people and always on the ready to lend a helping hand when it is needed. Just recently, Islanders overwhelmingly supported relief efforts initiated for Hurricane Juan and the Tsunami disaster in southeast Asia. Islanders have a long history of providing support and shelter to many groups displaced by conflict or natural disaster.
“We have also been in contact with the federal government to determine what partnership they can provide to support this effort. We are also looking to the faith community to become involved, as they have so often in the past, to support this effort,” said Binns.
The Premier indicated that he would keep Islanders updated on the progress of this important initiative.