Message of Solidarity for Haiti

Recorded at Rideau Hall, Thursday, January 21, 2010

Dear friends,

The very fact that I can speak to you today over the airwaves is already a sign of hope.

It means that communications are being restored, and what a relief it is to finally be able to tell you that Haiti is at the heart of Canadians' concerns and those of the whole world.

We are looking everywhere for ways to help you, to support your efforts, and to let you know that you are not alone.

Everyone is thinking of you, and individuals, communities, associations, entire cities, all levels of government and institutions in all sectors throughout the country are trying to do more.

This tremendous outpouring of solidarity is almost unparalleled in our history.

Haiti's heartbeat touches the whole world. And everyone agrees that we must turn this tragedy into an instant of unity that is unique in history, with the conviction that this is a turning point for Haiti to rebuild on new, solid, luminous foundations.

To all of you, in Port-au-Prince and in other cities and communes that have suffered so much, Canadians express their heartfelt sympathy.

To all those on the ground who are making extraordinary, indeed superhuman efforts to provide emergency relief and to ease the suffering, we express our admiration and our gratitude.

I have great hope that we will emerge stronger than ever from this terrible ordeal that has brought us together and made us work together unrelentingly. And I want you to know that all of you are in the hearts and minds of all Canadians.