| Long-term solution required for Haiti |
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| Local Content - Editorial |
| Written by production |
| Thursday, 28 January 2010 16:29 |
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The situation in Haiti is unlike nearly any other we have witnessed on a global scale. The devastation people of that country are facing is not something any of us can fully comprehend. As estimates circulate as to the total death toll, some say the figure could approach 200,000. Imagine, the combined population of southern Alberta, gone in a 45-second natural disaster. The earthquake that struck Haiti was a powerful one, and once again reminds us of the destructive force of Mother Nature. It seems like only yesterday residents of New Orleans were dealing with a flood of epic proportions. The 2004 tsunami that impacted a number of countries, namely Indonesia, is also fresh in the collective memories of those across the globe. But whatever catastrophic occurrence takes place, one thing is certain — Canada comes through. Already, millions of dollars from Canadians, and the government, has flowed to Haiti. Government and military assistance has been greatly welcomed, among the many other Canadians working with non-governmental organizations NGOs. Once again, Canadians have shown they are a giving people, more than willing to help out their fellow man in their time of great need. But for a country that was already teetering on the edge of calamity, the earthquake has pushed it over the edge. Already one of the most poor and destitute nations on the planet, Haiti is a mess. It will take years, and very likely decades, to bring the nation back to the where it was earlier this year, let alone make any real progress those in Haiti have waited long and hard for. Perhaps, the recent events will help shine a light on Haiti, and help put the nation on the right track. We can only hope some positives come out of what has become an unmitigated disaster. The goal will be to not only help Haiti’s needy and desperate citizens in the short term, but also provide some long-term solutions to a country that was suffering long before the earthquake. |