As the Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt, Honourable Jim Karygiannis has actively served the community for seven consecutive terms. Over the years he has taken up the various causes that affect Canadians, in general, and his constituents, in particular. 

Call for humanitarian aid protocol to help victims in Pakistan

Karygiannis called on the Harper government to institute the following measures to help those who are suffering as a result of the fighting in the Swat Valley:

“I have called, time and again, for the Harper government to establish a set of protocols to deal with international crises. The blueprint is there; it was established by the Liberal government after the Tsunami and used in the aftermath of the earthquake in Muzzafrabad.” Mr. Karygiannis stated.  “Canadians want to know that their government will render assistance to others in their time of need.  A set of protocols will allow all Canadians to know what their government is doing and what they can do to help.”

Helps GlobalMedic assist war-torn Pakistan 

Earlier on May 15, Karygiannis helped GlobalMedic’s Rapid Response Team volunteers load emergency aid equipment bound for the war-scarred northwestern region of Pakistan .

“The conflict between the Pakistan Army and the Taliban in this part of Pakistan has displaced hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis who are seeking sanctuary in crowded refugee camps.” said Mr. Karygiannis.  “The GlobalMedic team will establish a water purification system and the health care professionals will render much-needed emergency medical aid in an inflatable field hospital.”  

These internally displaced persons face critical shortages of food; medicine; clean water; and, as a result, increasing numbers are becoming ill.  GlobalMedic will be able to provide clean drinking water for over 50,000 people per day and, in its large inflatable field hospital, will provide emergency medical care.  The Rapid Response Team will train local aid groups on the installation, operation and maintenance of the equipment so that it will be operational as long as it is needed.   

“Over the years, I have supported GlobalMedic as it has become an integral component of Canada ’s humanitarian response to international disasters.” Mr. Karygiannis commented.  “I have seen their exemplary humanitarian work in Bangladesh after Cyclone Sidr and in Pakistan following the earthquake in 2005.”  

GlobalMedic provides emergency relief to those affected by natural disasters and complex emergencies.  

“I have worked with the Canadian Pakistani community on several occasions and traveled to Pakistan many times, most recently last year.  I am monitoring this situation closely.”  Mr. Karygiannis further commented.  “I am disturbed by the affect the conflict is having on Pakistanis and its possible impact on the geo-political stability of the region.”