News Release

January 7, 2005

PSAC donates $175,000 for Tsunami disaster relief through Social Justice Fund

OTTAWA – The Public Service Alliance of Canada Social Justice Fund will contribute a minimum amount of $175,000 to disaster relief to victims and to rebuilding efforts in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in South Asia and Africa .

“The members of our union, like all Canadians, have been greatly affected    by the immense suffering and devastation experienced by the people of South Asia and Africa ,” said PSAC President Nycole Turmel.   “There have been so many lives lost and millions left homeless without food, clean water and vulnerable to disease. We hope that our contribution, made on behalf of all 150,000 PSAC members, to the international relief effort will help bring much needed immediate support as well as help in the reconstruction of devastated communities and economies.”

About one-third or $60,000 of PSAC's initial total contribution will be donated immediately to two Canadian aid agencies involved in emergency relief efforts in affected areas, with $30,000 going to Oxfam Canada and $30,000 to Save the Children.   Another $30,000 is earmarked for Doctors Without Borders to support the second phase of its relief efforts.

The remaining amount, including future additional donations from PSAC components, regions and locals, will be used to assist workers and their organizations in affected areas to help restore their ability to earn an income. This initiative will be undertaken in co-operation with the Canadian and international labour movement.

This initial $175,000 contribution was raised from $50,000 from existing funds in the union's Social Justice Fund, another $50,000 added to it by unanimous decision of the PSAC National Board of Directors,   and the remainder   from contributions by PSAC components, regions and locals.

In addition, the   PSAC is encouraging   its members across the country to continue to donate to recognized aid organizations providing relief and emergency assistance to affected countries.

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For information:   Joselito Calugay, PSAC communications officer, (613) 560-4235 or (613) 293-9324

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