Canada Offers Condolences Following Earthquake off Guatemalan Coast

November 8, 2012 - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, and the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s earthquake off the coast of Guatemala:

“On behalf of all Canadians, we offer our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost family and friends. The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the situation on the ground.”

“Canadian officials, both in Ottawa and in Guatemala, are in contact with local authorities and humanitarian partner organizations,” said Minister Fantino. “As humanitarian needs are assessed, we will consider how Canada can best help to meet those needs.”

“Guatemala is an important friend and ally to Canada. Our thoughts are with the people of Guatemala in this distressing time,” added Minister Ablonczy. “Canadians in Guatemala should continue to monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Canadian citizens in Guatemala affected by the earthquake and requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala City at 2363-4348, or call Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre collect at 613-996-8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.

Friends and relatives in Canada concerned about Canadian citizens believed to have been affected by the earthquake should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre via the telephone number or email address above, or call 1-800-387-3124 toll-free within Canada.

We recommend that Canadian citizens travelling or living abroad register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service on the www.travel.gc.ca website in order to receive the latest advice from the Canadian office responsible for the area in which they are located. Also, they can consult the relevant country Travel Report or follow Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada on Twitter for the latest updates on travel advice and warnings.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
613-944-2300

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Follow us on Twitter: @DFAIT_MAECI

Daniel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
819-953-6534
media@acdi-cida.gc.ca