Richmond Hill, Ontario – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Costas Menegakis, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr., on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today visited the Envirogard Products Limited manufacturing plant with members of Toronto’s Filipino-Canadian community. The plant manufactures water purification kits that GlobalMedic is currently distributing to people affected by Typhoon Hagupit in the Philippines.

“I am proud of Canadian companies such as Envirogard, which has been a pioneer in the water treatment industry in Canada, and is now helping populations half a world away,” said Parliamentary Secretary Menegakis. “With Canada’s support, GlobalMedic will help address the immediate needs of 10,000 typhoon Hagupit-affected people in the Philippines by distributing hygiene kits, water purification units and supporting activities that promote clean water, sanitation and hygiene in affected communities”

Typhoon Hagupit first hit the Philippines as a Category 3 typhoon on December 6, 2014, making it the most powerful storm to hit the Philippines this year. Hagupit has affected more than 4 million people and severely damaged more than 42,000 houses across the affected areas. The Government of the Philippines has confirmed 18 deaths, and more than 1.7 million people were evacuated.

“It is devastating that the people of the Philippines have been hit again with such a destructive typhoon,” said Senator Enverga. Canada’s support is critical to ensure Filipinos, receive the help they need at this difficult time.”

“Canada is steadfast in its commitment to helping the Filipino people in their efforts to restore their livelihoods and build a better future for their country,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada was proud to help in the relief effort in 2013, and we are proud to assist again this year.”

Quick Facts

• When Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Philippines on November 8, 2013, Canada was already putting in place a rapid, lifesaving, whole-of-government response working closely with the Filipino-Canadian community, humanitarian assistance partners and the Government of the Philippines.
• Canada also sent relief supplies such as tents, blankets, water purification tablets, shelter kits, and other essential items from Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s emergency stockpile.
• A year later, when Typhoon Hagupit hit the Philippines on December 6, 2014, Canada was already exploring how it could help, working closely with humanitarian assistance partners and the Government of the Philippines.
• In 2014 the Philippines was confirmed as a country of focus for the Government of Canada’s international development efforts.