For Immediate Release
August 31, 2005

Time for Ontario to step up for hurricane victims

Barrett joins Tory call for Dalton McGuinty to offer assistance in hurricane relief effort

Simcoe – MPP Toby Barrett joined Opposition Leader John Tory today in calling for Ontario government assistance in the relief effort for those affected by Hurricane Katrina in southern United States.

“Americans remain our friends and allies,” said Barrett. “As individuals and as a province we have the resources to help out. We should all bear in mind that much of Louisiana was already economically depressed before Katrina poured into the area.”

Earlier today, Tory said that Dalton McGuinty should immediately request our emergency management officials to identify what expertise and assistance we can offer to the relief effort. This should include providing emergency supplies and equipment and looking into how our hydro, water, search and rescue, and disaster management expertise can be of assistance.

“This is one of the most devastating hurricanes to ever hit the United States and we have a duty as neighbours and friends to offer our assistance and support,” said Tory. “My deepest sympathy goes out to those affected by this terrible disaster and I call on our government to work very closely with our colleagues in the United States to see what we can do to help.”

Tory also called on Ontarians to offer their financial assistance to the relief effort by making donations to the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca) or one of the other charitable organizations providing emergency aid.

Barrett says he is in the process of getting the red-cross link for hurricane relief donations on his website at www.tobybarrett.com.

“Ontarians have showed their strength and generosity in times of crisis and it is time for us to help our neighbours and friends in their time of need,” said Tory. “It is important that we all work together during this terrible disaster and provide whatever assistance we can in the relief effort. We should have planes in the air or trucks on the ground by tomorrow at the latest.”

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413
or 1-800-903-8629