Canada remains on standby as international aid efforts are coordinated
The Canadian government says it is ready to offer “any and all” possible aid to Japan after Friday’s devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami. On Sunday, Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon’s office released a statement saying it was prepared to offer Canadian Forces personnel, a 17-member victim identification team, as well as chemical, biological and nuclear expertise and equipment. “As Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated,” said Cannon, “Canada stands ready to provide any and all possible assistance to the people of Japan.” As Canada remains on standby to provide assistance, there is no word on whether the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) will be dispatched.