Statement from Minister Champagne on wildfires in Australia

January 5, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the wildfires in Australia:

“Canada is deeply saddened by the mounting deaths and destruction caused by the devastating wildfires in Australia.

“Since December 3, 2019, almost 100 Canadian fire management personnel have deployed to Australia, with more on the way soon. These Canadians are providing expertise and relief for the Australian staff that have been working extremely hard, and around the clock, since November.

“I have communicated with my Australian counterpart to reiterate that we are prepared to consider further assistance as necessary. When wildfires spread through Canadian communities, Australia answered our call for help. We are proud to do the same.

“Canadian citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the High Commission of Canada in Australia at (61) 2 6270 4000 or the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney at 61 (2) 9364 3000. They may also contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 0011-800-2326-6831 (toll-free from Australia) or by sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.

“Canadians who wish to help can donate to the Red Cross’s Disaster Relief and Recovery fund.”