OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 21, 2011) - The Canadian Labour Congress joins calls for Canada to pledge more in aid for the millions of people affected by severe drought in East Africa.
"While the federal government has allocated $22 million in humanitarian aid to the region this year, the scale of the crisis demands a greater response," said Ken Georgetti, president of the CLC.
Severe drought in the Horn of Africa is affecting over ten million people, causing the United Nations to launch its largest ever famine relief effort in Southern Somalia. The UN estimates over 3 million people are at risk of dying without immediate food aid. Tens of thousands, mostly children, have already died.
The Canadian Labour Congress and its affiliates have already donated over $110,000 to East Africa Relief efforts this week alone. Today the CLC launched an online appeal to union members for help.
"In times of crisis, the labour movement always responds," says Georgetti. "We know union members will give generously. We are calling on the federal government to lead the international community response to this humanitarian crisis and pledge more in aid".
The Canadian Labour Congress, the national voice of the labour movement, represents 3.2 million Canadian workers. The CLC brings together Canada's national and international unions along with the provincial and territorial federations of labour and 130 district labour councils. Web site: www.canadianlabour.ca
Contact Information:
Communications
613-863-1413
jatkinson@clc-ctc.ca