Premier Gary Doer today offered his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives as a result of a devastating cyclone that struck the southeast Asian country of Myanmar and pledged $100,000 in support for the relief effort.

 

According to initial reports, 22,000 people lost their lives and more than 41,000 others are missing after cyclone Nargis hit the country earlier this week. Manitoba’s contribution will be administered by the Manitoba Council for International Co-operation (MCIC).

 

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives, those who are still missing and the thousands of people who have been left homeless,” said Doer.

 

Manitoba is home base for a number of organizations that do relief and development work overseas. The province has developed a unique arrangement that funds these organizations through the MCIC.

 

The MCIC is an independent coalition of development organizations that oversees the distribution of development dollars.  It works with member organizations to identify on-the-ground needs and acts to ensure assistance is distributed fairly and where it can provide the most benefit.

 

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