Quebec universities declare a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims
of the Haitian earthquake

MONTREAL , Jan. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - Quebec universities have joined to observe a moment of silence on their campuses in memory of the victims of last week's catastrophic earthquake in Haiti .

The moment of silence will take place at 4:53 P.M. on Tuesday, January 19 , precisely one week after the earthquake struck Haiti .

"Our universities hope this symbolic gesture of solidarity with the people of Haiti will encourage them as they act courageously to meet the daunting challenges they face, and will encourage members of our communities as well as others to contribute generously to the massive task of rebuilding this devastated country." said CREPUQ Chair Heather Munroe Blum, Principal and Vice Chancellor of McGill University.

"We invite Quebec residents, companies and other organizations to join with the universities in this moment of solemn reflection and to support the relief effort through the aid organization of their choice." added Daniel Zizian, President and CEO of CREPUQ.

CREPUQ includes all 18 Quebec universities. The organization acts as their voice in relations with government and higher education. It also fosters coordination and collaboration between universities, is a research centre for university administrations, acts as a centre for coordination and joint service delivery, and is a resource centre and think tank for its members.

For further information: Chantal Pouliot, Director of Communications, Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities, [phone], ext. 244