For Immediate Release
August 21, 2009

Statement from Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff on the devastation caused by tornadoes in central Ontario

I am concerned by the widespread devastation caused by the series of violent tornadoes that swept through central Ontario yesterday, and I was saddened to learn of the death of a child as a result of the storm.

Today the work begins to recover from the damage caused in the town of Durham and the city of Vaughan, where states of emergency have been declared. Some families have completely lost their homes, and it will be some time before lives can be restored to normal. We call on the federal government to provide the financial assistance and additional supports needed to help re-build these communities.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, my thoughts and best wishes go out to all residents affected by this tragedy, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young boy who died.