January 14, 2010
PSAC MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF HAITI
PSAC would like to express its solidarity with the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake that struck at the heart of this nation on the afternoon of January 12, 2010.
PSAC calls on our members and allies to mobilize all efforts possible to provide assistance to the people of Haiti who have suffered a great loss of life, and the collapse of vital infrastructure and public services as the result of the earthquake.
There is an urgent and immediate need for disaster relief assistance, including clean water, food, shelter and medical assistance on the ground. PSAC Social Justice Fund has already channeled funds to provide emergency medical services in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Furthermore, the SJF is working with Public Services International and other unions and humanitarian relief organizations to ensure that the emergency aid provided today will contribute to long-term improvements, sustainable development and a better tomorrow for the Haitian people.
Over several decades, Haiti has been struck hard by a series of natural and man-made disasters in the form of hurricanes, drought, deforestation, coup d’états, foreign intervention, debt burden and the privatization of public services. We join our voices with that of the International Trade Union Movement which calls on a concerted international effort not just to assist the Haitian people during this time of crisis, but to work towards canceling the debt and alleviating the poverty which has struck this nation and its people.
PSAC, through its Social Justice Fund, is committed to mobilizing immediate emergency relief for victims of the earthquake. In addition, we will provide support over the long term to help the Haitian people rebuild their lives, communities, public services, infrastructure, economy and social organizations, including trade unions, women’s groups, youth groups and social justice movements in the country.
Contributions to the PSAC Social Justice Fund from Locals, Components and Regions, marked Haitian Earthquake Relief will be greatly appreciated by the Haitian people. Half the amount raised will be used to provide the Haitians people with immediate disaster relief, with the remainder going to long term rebuilding projects.
To contribute, please contact Louise Casselman in the Social Justice Fund office at: 613-560-5494, or cassell@psac-afpc.com
In Solidarity,
John Gordon
National President