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Ministry of Consumer and Business Services

McGuinty Government Invites Ontarians To Share Condolences For Victims Of Tsunami Disaster


    Ontario Communities Reach Out To Support Tsunami Victims

    TORONTO, Jan. 7 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government today announced that from
Monday, January 10 until Friday, January 14 each of the 64 regional Government
Information Centres in Ontario will offer books of condolence for the public
to sign.
    "At a time when so many people are suffering, it is important to show
compassion for those who need it most," said Consumer and Business Services
Minister Jim Watson. "Our government invites the public to visit their local
Government Information Centre to share their condolences for the millions of
people impacted by the tsunami disaster."
    A commemorative ceremony will also be held at Queen's Park at noon on
Saturday to honour the memory of tsunami victims.
    The Province has donated $5 million to support the global relief effort
for disaster victims through the re-activated Ontario Disaster Relief Fund.
Ontario is also lending support in various areas of expertise. The province's
Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT) has been offered to the federal
government for deployment. EMAT is a group of volunteer health care
professional trained to provide sophisticated primary care in emergency
situations.
    Ontarians wishing to make contributions should contact one of the various
relief agencies or community-based groups involved in the relief effort. Visit
your local Government Information Centre or
www.premier.gov.on.ca/english/news/SouthAsiaFactsheet2.asp for a list of
relief organizations. As well, Ontarians can make donations until January 31
at all LCBO, Beer Store and Wine Council of Ontario outlets.
    To locate a Government Information Centre in your region visit
www.ServiceOntario.ca and click on the Government Information Centre link or
call 1-800-267-8097.

    Disponible en français.
                              www.cbs.gov.on.ca

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For further information: Rui Manuel Estevao, Minister's Office, 
(416) 326-8497; Julie Rosenberg, Communications Branch, (416) 326-8558

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