Tsunami aid: Canada to give $350 mn

Canada has also promised to match private contributions by its citizens.

Canada will give up to C$425 million ($350 million) over five years to help countries hit by last month's disastrous earthquake and tsunami, Prime Minister Paul Martin said on Monday.

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Martin said in a statement that the package comprised C$265 million in humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance and C$160 million to rebuild damaged property. Some of the aid will come in the form of debt relief.

The latest assistance is on top of C$80 million that Ottawa has already promised in immediate aid to the worst-hit regions around the Indian Ocean.

Canada has also promised to match private contributions by Canadian citizens, which already exceed C$100 million.