Statement from the Minister of International Cooperation

January 16, 2010

The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today issued the following statement upon learning the death of Guillaume Siemienski, a CIDA employee on assignment with the United Nations, and Hélène Rivard, a CIDA consultant, as a result of the earthquake in Haiti.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of Mr. Siemienski and Ms. Rivard" said Minister Oda. "They will be remembered for their long-standing commitment to development and to improving the lives of Haitians. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families."

Mr. Siemienski was a development officer at CIDA on assignment to the United Nations. He had been with CIDA since 1999. Ms. Rivard had been a consultant with CIDA for more than twenty years.

Minister Oda also took the opportunity to recognize the on-going efforts of CIDA staff on the ground in Haiti.

Information:
Jessica Fletcher
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca