600 Signatures, $2 Million in Canadian Aid, and More Work Ahead
Dear Supporters (en Espanol abajo),
Thanks to your incredible support, our collective voice is growing stronger every day. I am pleased to share that we have now collected close to 600 signatures urging the Government of Canada to support Colombia following the devastating August 10, 2026 earthquake. Here are a few important updates:
1. Advocacy Efforts: Beginning the week of August 12, I reached out to community associations across Canada and encouraged them to contact key Members of Parliament engaged with Latin America and Canada-Colombia relations, asking them to support additional assistance for Colombia – we all send our letters.
2. Canada Announces Emergency Assistance: On August 14, I launched this petition. Shortly thereafter, on August 26, 2026, the Government of Canada announced more than CAD $2 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for Colombia, in addition to nearly CAD $8.5 million already allocated earlier in the year for humanitarian programs in the country. This funding was announced by Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), through a Global Affairs Canada news release.
3. Community Support Continues: Across Canada and around the world, communities have continued fundraising efforts to support earthquake victims. Financial contributions remain especially valuable when directed to trusted organizations such as the Colombian Red Cross. Here in Toronto, a community fundraising event on September 5 reportedly raised approximately CAD $60,000 for relief efforts.
What's Next?
On October 6, 2026, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, and development professionals will gather at the Ottawa LatAm Business Forum. As an Advisor to the Canada LatAm Council, I am pleased to share that we will use this high-profile event as an opportunity to continue encouraging support for Colombia and raising awareness of the country's ongoing recovery needs. Learn more about the Forum: https://latamforum.regfox.com/ottawa-lat-am-business-forum
Thank you once again for your support and commitment. Together, we are making a difference.
Sincerely,
Mauricio Ospina
Petition Organizer
Advisor, Canada LatAm Council and Director, Hispanic Business Alliance
++++++++++ ESPANOL
Estimados amigos y simpatizantes,
Gracias a su apoyo, ya hemos reunido cerca de 600 firmas para solicitar al Gobierno de Canadá que continúe ayudando a Colombia tras el devastador terremoto del 10 de agosto de 2026.
Nos complace informar que el 26 de agosto, el Gobierno de Canadá anunció más de CAD $2 millones en ayuda humanitaria de emergencia para Colombia, además de casi CAD $8.5 millones que ya habían sido destinados anteriormente a programas humanitarios en el país.
Asimismo, comunidades colombianas en Canadá y otros países continúan organizando actividades de recaudación de fondos para apoyar a las familias afectadas. En Toronto, por ejemplo, un evento comunitario realizado el 5 de septiembre recaudó aproximadamente CAD $60,000 para los esfuerzos de ayuda.
¿Qué sigue?
El próximo 6 de octubre, líderes empresariales, diplomáticos, académicos y representantes gubernamentales se reunirán en el Ottawa LatAm Business Forum. Como Asesor del Canada LatAm Council, me complace informar que seguiremos promoviendo el apoyo a Colombia y destacando las necesidades de reconstrucción y recuperación del país.
Más información sobre el foro: https://latamforum.regfox.com/ottawa-lat-am-business-forum
Gracias por su apoyo continuo. Juntos seguimos haciendo la diferencia.
Mauricio Ospina
Organizador de la petición
Asesor, Canada LatAm Council