Canadian Red Cross to Participate in Ministerial Preparatory Conference on
Haiti

OTTAWA , Jan. 25 /CNW/ - Canadian Red Cross Secretary General and CEO Conrad Sauvé is pleased to represent the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) at the Ministerial Preparatory Conference on Haiti in Montreal on Jan. 25, 2010 .

The Conference was convened by Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon , to begin the planning process for a major conference on the long-term reconstruction of Haiti .

Mr. Sauvé will attend the first session of the event on Monday as an observer, in which Haitian authorities, partner countries, international organizations and non-governmental organizations involved in Haiti will discuss the current situation in the country and options for the future. "The Red Cross was working in Haiti before the earthquake and is an essential participant in emergency relief efforts," says Mr. Sauvé. "The Red Cross will be working in Haiti in the months and years to come as we help communities recover and become more resilient. We are pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside senior government officials from around the world to begin this long-term rebuilding process."

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

For further information: or to arrange an interview: Canadian Red Cross media line, [phone]