Earthquake in Haiti - Québec Announces That Donations Made by February 28,
2010 Will Be Deductible in 2009

MONTREAL , Jan. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - The Minister of Finance of Québec, Raymond Bachand , today announced an exceptional measure to support assistance, in the form of donations, to the victims of the earthquake that recently struck Haiti . The Minister was accompanied, for this occasion, by his parliamentary assistant and MNA for Viau, Emmanuel Dubourg .

Mechanisms will be set up to enable those Quebecers who so wish to deduct, in their 2009 tax return, donations of money made from January 12 to February 28, 2010 , to charities to assist victims of the earthquake. "So far Quebecers have been very generous towards the people of Haiti . With this measure, we want to encourage this upsurge of solidarity for a population in great need," Minister Bachand said.

The MNA for Viau pointed out that this measure is just one of many the Québec government has taken to assist the people of Haiti . The government has already announced aid of $3 million , has made police and medical personnel available for deployment on the ground, and has set up a reception committee at Montréal-Trudeau Airport to receive Canadian nationals returning from Haiti . "The government is making an unprecedented effort to assist the Haitian community. These efforts are consistent with the message of love and support Quebecers have sent to the people of Haiti ," MNA Dubourg mentioned.

Information Bulletin 2010-2, released today, describes the application details of the measure. It is available at: www.finances.gouv.qc.ca

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For further information: Catherine Poulin, Press Relations Officer, Office of the Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, [phone], [phone]; Marjorie Michel, Political Attaché of the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Finance and MNA for Viau, [phone]