Toronto, Ontario - On December 26th, 2004, Jim Karygiannis, P.C., M.P. for Scarborough-Agincourt, met with Sri Lankan community leaders to discuss how the Government of Canada can help with the efforts put forth by community in Canada and provide an update of Government efforts. Jim Karygiannis has been in contact with the Minister of CIDA and appraised her of the local representations and needs of the community. In meetings with local community leaders Mr. Karygiannis appraised the community with
efforts that the Government of Canada is making and the measures that have
been put in place in order to track Canadians in the effected area.

The Canadian Government through the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA), will support humanitarian assistance and relief efforts
following the major earthquake that affected a number of countries across an
extended area of coastal Asia. CIDA's initial contribution of $1 million
will be delivered through the International Federation of Red Cross and
Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The community leaders further discussed with the Mr. Karygiannis relief
fundraising efforts, which the community is engaged in. Mr. Karygiannis will
continue to work with the community to make sure Canada responds to the
needs of the victims.

The community leaders asked Mr. Karygiannis to follow up with the Canadian
High Commission in order to get first hand updates on local efforts. They
asked for special consideration for expedition of Immigration cases of
immediate family from the affected area in order to unite with their family
in Canada. It was a matter, which has been followed up with the Canadian
High Commission in Colombo.

Anyone who has Canadian relatives in the affected areas should contact the
Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa at 1-800-387-3124; or in Ottawa at
(613) 996-8885

"Having lived through an earthquake myself, my prayers and thoughts are with
the people of South and South East Asia in this most devastating time" said
Mr. Karygiannis. "On our part as a government we will do whatever we can
within our means to assist the people of the region in their efforts to
rebuild their lives"

Mr. Karygiannis represents one of the most ethnically diverse ridings in
Canada.  "Families are the cornerstone of our communities," said Mr.
Karygiannis. "And it is at this time that we must work with our South and
South East Asia Community in Canada to help their families in Sri Lanka"

He is encouraging residents to bring their concerns to their Member of
Parliament and work with them to assist the people of South and South East
Asia.

www.karygiannismp.com/prrelsouthasia.doc
www.karygiannismp.com/srilanka.html

Contact:
Kathy Gooch
Media Relations
Office of Jim Karygiannis, M.P.
Scarborough-Agincourt
(416) 321-5454

jim@karygiannismp.com