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Canada is being urged to shift its disaster relief efforts to China from Burma. We asked you whether you think this is a good idea. Here's what you had to say.
Has China asked for our help? This country is one of the most populated places on the planet with vast industrial resources which can be brought to bear in such a disaster. I for one do not see why we would offer assistance at this time. I believe as a smaller nation Burma is in much greater need and our efforts should be directed there.
Stephen McCahery, Brampton
Am I missing something? Canada is heavily in debt. China is flush with cash with over a trillion dollars in reserve. I don't recall the last time China sent aid to Canada. If individual citizens want to send money to other countries that's their right, but for Canada to send any money to a country that is considerably richer than Canada is absurd.
Craig Jones, Toronto
I think there are more than enough causes at home that could use our money than sending it to Communist China.
Andrew Stewart, Oshawa
Definitely. I'm not suggesting to take all the relief funds off Burma. But it's fair to re-distribute the funds according to the impact of disasters, i.e. number of population impacted, impacted area, etc.
Weidong Ding, Toronto
No. The monies would only go to the government and not to the people who need it. If China was not a communist country I would feel differently.
Jennifer Smith, Toronto
Yes, I think it's a good idea. Natural disasters can happen anywhere in the world. We, Canadians always help people out and we should do it with pride.
Juran Liu, Brampton
Shifting disaster relief efforts to China from Burma is not only seriously wrong but completely uncalled for. China is not a poor country. The Chinese government has billions and billions of US$ in reserve and should use some of that money to help their own people. Burma, on the other hand, is very poor and desperately needs all the foreign aid it can get.
Daniel Brooks, Vancouver
Disaster relief to either country is wrong. Burma's military junta is resisting any real help. Better it should be overthrown. Maybe we should drop arms to its population so that it can overthrow the junta. China is chock 'o block loaded with financial resources and has more than enough money to take care of its own. Instead, let's use whatever money we have to help out Canadians.
Wayne Gray, Oakville
China has the largest army in the world. China has the second largest economy in the world. China has a nuclear arms program. China has received more than a billion dollars in aid from Canada in the last decade. China should divert some of its funds earmarked for their continuing and worrisome military buildup to offset their disasters. Why is Canada expected to give $10 million to China when it won't give $10 million to house and feed its own homeless citizens?
Richard Wright, Niagara on the Lake, Ont.
In no way should we help that despotic county of China. China obstructs the rights of many in China and also where it trades (e.g. Sudan, Zimbabwe). The poor people of Burma need a massive infusion of food and medicine, and most importantly, they need a caring government. China stands in the way of Burmese liberty.
Donald Walker, Toronto
No, it's not a good idea at all. China, with a billion people in it, is perfectly capable of helping themselves. Burma, thanks to it's military junta leadership, is not. (Also) I believe that if we are going to help China it should come with conditions - that China allow free and binding referendums in Hong Kong and Tibet on whether these people want to stay as part of China. Why not kill two birds with one stone - help the people of Tibet while helping the people of China?
Christine Ilott, Richmond Hill
Burma has more need. China has many resources - including hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign reserves. I'm not sure why Canada should allow sudden immigration from the affected areas - the focus should be helping people in place. The suggestion is disgraceful grandstanding on the Liberal MP's part.
Joshua Albert, Toronto
Many poor countries need our help, and we should oblige. But China is not a poor country. It is an emerging superpower with a space program and enormous military. They have more money and resources than we do. Our aid should be focused on truly poor countries, not countries that can afford to spend $20 billon on an Olympic bid and have one of the largest economies on the planet.
Mike Schuster, Guelph, Ont.
I believe it is the responsibility of all civil nations to assist other nations during catastrophic events. Each nation must prioritize based on urgency and depth of need. We have not heard about China's efforts in Burma, which is one of it's direct neighbours. Clearly it is time China understood that as a prosperous nation it must accept it's humanitarian and social responsibility especially in Asia. Canada should assist Burma first and China second.
Andy Brooks, Aurora
This is so incredibly disgusting. China is overflowing with cash and resources these days. Their cash and resources is on the back of Canadian workers losing their jobs. They have enough resources to take care of themselves. Do you believe one penny would get to one single victim? The poor Burmese have nothing.
Sean Murphy, Toronto
China has the means and capabilities to provide the relief support to its own people but Burma does not. I support the Canadian government to continue to focus its disaster support effort to the Burma people.
Hanson Lam, Markham
Yes I think since the Government in Burma is restricting aid to their people we should help the victims of the devastating earthquake in China. Canada must assist both countries as much as possible.
Dona Clogg, Hudson, Que.
China has a US$1.4 trillion cash reserve. They can surely afford to pay for their own disaster relief. If they want our assistance with a DART team they can have it for the cost of Canada sending them. The PRC is no longer a charity case but one the largest economies on the planet. If this were the U.S. or Canada no one would be stepping up with disaster relief money.
Graham Fraser, Toronto
Of course it is a bad idea. Can't Canada do both at the same time?
Lihui Chen, Scarborough
No. The Chinese government always emphasizes how strong their nation and leadership is - both politically and economically – they should be already well equipped and capable to handle this disaster. As we’ve seen, they have the money to build the most technologically advanced Olympic venues to impress the world – then they should have the resources to help its own citizens who are dealing with such devastation. Resources should be allocated to where it is most needed.
Samuel Cheng, Toronto
Why are we giving national aid to either country? I always wonder, as a Canadian, when did I agree I want my government to pour millions or possibly billions of tax money into other countries for charity purposes? I think we should use the money to create jobs, improve public transit, help the homeless, improve health care, help university students, impoverished children - basically anything Canadian.
Matthew Boddy, Toronto
I think that Canada does more then enough for China. I don't believe that our government should switch interests from one disaster to another just because there are a lot of Chinese in the GTA screaming for relief. Burma obviously had the worse of the two disasters. Besides, the demands are ridiculous from the locals. Provide visas now for families to join their relatives in Canada? Then what, claim refugee status? Let our government to do what they can and what's in the best interest of everyone, not just the Chinese, a communist country, that has poor laws against manufacturing products and we still buy it up.
Keith Coffey, Toronto
We should try to help both if we are able to. We should not choose one or the other.
Tony Gazzola, St. Catharines, Ont.
Considering China is better off financially than the west, China has a lot of money for it's military and weapon development, China has an incredible manufacturing sector volume second to none in the western world. I'd personally let them look after their own recovery.
Marj Bowskill, Belleville, Ont.
Although we all feel sympathy for those affected by these tragedies, we can only do so much. Since China is such a economic powerhouse perhaps they should divert some funds from their military to help their own citizens without needing help from the rest of the world.
Robert Burgess, Whitby
China is supposedly the new economic superpower of the world. Burma is what? A third world country bordering on fourth world status. I believe the answer is obvious. China can afford to help themselves.
Ernest Reed, Toronto
Canada should stop sending aid to other countries and aid their own within Canada. Why is it the taxpayer of Canada carrying the rest of the world?
Robert Poloz, Oakville
Harper announced $30 billion for the military yesterday. If it had been sooner or if we actually kept our forces up to date we could have helped both. In my eyes China has more resources to draw from and the area in Burma is much larger requiring more aid I say go to Burma. If they let us in.
Bob DeVreeze, Bracebridge, Ont.
No. The Chinese government always emphasizes how strong their leadership is - both political and economical – they should already well equipped to handle and capable to due with any disaster. They have the money to build most technological advanced Olympic venues, in order to impress the world – then they should have the resources to help its own citizens. Resources should be allocated to where is most needed.
Samuel Cheng, Toronto
Bad idea. China is a very independent country and it can take care of its self. Burma is really struggling and needs all the help it can get.
Max Fireman, Toronto
This is a tough question. It was a safe bed that any aid to Burma would end up in the hands of the oppressive junta that has actively barred relief work. China, with a population of a close to one and a half billion, and a strong economy, should have the human and financial resources to look after its own problems.
Dave Smith, Fenwick, Ont.
At a time like this, with limited relief resources, aid should be directed to where it is accepted, otherwise, indecisiveness will prevent Canada from helping any people at all.
Sherry Wang, Toronto
Never mind relief efforts for Burma or China, if Ontario keep losing jobs at the rate we are Canada will need to supply relief to people right here in our own province. It is called Ontario.
Robert Reeson, Pontypool, Ont.
It is a ridiculous idea. Are the suffering Burmese suddenly no longer worthy because they have a recalcitrant government who will not allow foreign aid workers to enter? Or perhaps it is that aid teams to China, doing well under world scrutiny, might provide more feel-good stories for the current Canadian government? Aid, in whatever form can be managed, must go to both disaster areas.
Diana Gallaway, Oakville
Please solace and sympathy with the Chinese government and people. China is a unity, indomitable spirit and a strong will, please help China to restore the normal life in the disaster-stricken area. Your help would be greatest appreciated.
June Tian, Mississauga
Since the Burmese military is so intent on saving face rather than saving lives and allowing international aid in to assist, then yes, move that aid to China. They welcome outside help. Let Burma take care of itself.
Jacquie Fraser, Toronto
We should help in terms of looking for trapped victims, providing relevant equipments.
John He, Toronto
Yes, the disaster relief team should be re-directed to China immediately. We don't want to have a team of experts standing by watching people die every minute under the rubbles in Sichuan, China. Most Chinese people consider Canada a generous, peaceful and compassionate nation. It is time to put people's lives before any political differences.
Qi Ren, Mississauga
Let us support Burma. The Chinese have a reputation of being able to take charge and execute actions based on the created society of their own making. The Chinese society is a impressive one and is self-sufficient. The Chinese have a created society based on discipline and organization and have prepared there people to assist others and be assisted by others.
Dennis Smith, Meaford, Ont.
The earthquake has certainly been a tragedy for the Chinese people involved, but the Chinese government will no doubt take advantage of it to divert public attention away from tragedies of its own making, such as the continued occupation of Tibet and China's horrific human rights record.
Ed Butts, Guelph, Ont.
It is quite obvious that the people in need in Burma will never see those aid packages. Their corrupt government will see to that. Give the aid where it will do most good and benefit those it is intended to help.
June Warenycia, Scarborough
Canada is being urged to shift its disaster relief efforts to China from Burma. We asked you whether you think this is a good idea. Here's what you had to say.
Has China asked for our help? This country is one of the most populated places on the planet with vast industrial resources which can be brought to bear in such a disaster. I for one do not see why we would offer assistance at this time. I believe as a smaller nation Burma is in much greater need and our efforts should be directed there.
Stephen McCahery, Brampton
Am I missing something? Canada is heavily in debt. China is flush with cash with over a trillion dollars in reserve. I don't recall the last time China sent aid to Canada. If individual citizens want to send money to other countries that's their right, but for Canada to send any money to a country that is considerably richer than Canada is absurd.
Craig Jones, Toronto
I think there are more than enough causes at home that could use our money than sending it to Communist China.
Andrew Stewart, Oshawa
Definitely. I'm not suggesting to take all the relief funds off Burma. But it's fair to re-distribute the funds according to the impact of disasters, i.e. number of population impacted, impacted area, etc.
Weidong Ding, Toronto
No. The monies would only go to the government and not to the people who need it. If China was not a communist country I would feel differently.
Jennifer Smith, Toronto
Yes, I think it's a good idea. Natural disasters can happen anywhere in the world. We, Canadians always help people out and we should do it with pride.
Juran Liu, Brampton
Shifting disaster relief efforts to China from Burma is not only seriously wrong but completely uncalled for. China is not a poor country. The Chinese government has billions and billions of US$ in reserve and should use some of that money to help their own people. Burma, on the other hand, is very poor and desperately needs all the foreign aid it can get.
Daniel Brooks, Vancouver
Disaster relief to either country is wrong. Burma's military junta is resisting any real help. Better it should be overthrown. Maybe we should drop arms to its population so that it can overthrow the junta. China is chock 'o block loaded with financial resources and has more than enough money to take care of its own. Instead, let's use whatever money we have to help out Canadians.
Wayne Gray, Oakville
China has the largest army in the world. China has the second largest economy in the world. China has a nuclear arms program. China has received more than a billion dollars in aid from Canada in the last decade. China should divert some of its funds earmarked for their continuing and worrisome military buildup to offset their disasters. Why is Canada expected to give $10 million to China when it won't give $10 million to house and feed its own homeless citizens?
Richard Wright, Niagara on the Lake, Ont.
In no way should we help that despotic county of China. China obstructs the rights of many in China and also where it trades (e.g. Sudan, Zimbabwe). The poor people of Burma need a massive infusion of food and medicine, and most importantly, they need a caring government. China stands in the way of Burmese liberty.
Donald Walker, Toronto
No, it's not a good idea at all. China, with a billion people in it, is perfectly capable of helping themselves. Burma, thanks to it's military junta leadership, is not. (Also) I believe that if we are going to help China it should come with conditions - that China allow free and binding referendums in Hong Kong and Tibet on whether these people want to stay as part of China. Why not kill two birds with one stone - help the people of Tibet while helping the people of China?
Christine Ilott, Richmond Hill
Burma has more need. China has many resources - including hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign reserves. I'm not sure why Canada should allow sudden immigration from the affected areas - the focus should be helping people in place. The suggestion is disgraceful grandstanding on the Liberal MP's part.
Joshua Albert, Toronto
Many poor countries need our help, and we should oblige. But China is not a poor country. It is an emerging superpower with a space program and enormous military. They have more money and resources than we do. Our aid should be focused on truly poor countries, not countries that can afford to spend $20 billon on an Olympic bid and have one of the largest economies on the planet.
Mike Schuster, Guelph, Ont.
I believe it is the responsibility of all civil nations to assist other nations during catastrophic events. Each nation must prioritize based on urgency and depth of need. We have not heard about China's efforts in Burma, which is one of it's direct neighbours. Clearly it is time China understood that as a prosperous nation it must accept it's humanitarian and social responsibility especially in Asia. Canada should assist Burma first and China second.
Andy Brooks, Aurora
This is so incredibly disgusting. China is overflowing with cash and resources these days. Their cash and resources is on the back of Canadian workers losing their jobs. They have enough resources to take care of themselves. Do you believe one penny would get to one single victim? The poor Burmese have nothing.
Sean Murphy, Toronto
China has the means and capabilities to provide the relief support to its own people but Burma does not. I support the Canadian government to continue to focus its disaster support effort to the Burma people.
Hanson Lam, Markham
Yes I think since the Government in Burma is restricting aid to their people we should help the victims of the devastating earthquake in China. Canada must assist both countries as much as possible.
Dona Clogg, Hudson, Que.
China has a US$1.4 trillion cash reserve. They can surely afford to pay for their own disaster relief. If they want our assistance with a DART team they can have it for the cost of Canada sending them. The PRC is no longer a charity case but one the largest economies on the planet. If this were the U.S. or Canada no one would be stepping up with disaster relief money.
Graham Fraser, Toronto
Of course it is a bad idea. Can't Canada do both at the same time?
Lihui Chen, Scarborough
No. The Chinese government always emphasizes how strong their nation and leadership is - both politically and economically – they should be already well equipped and capable to handle this disaster. As we’ve seen, they have the money to build the most technologically advanced Olympic venues to impress the world – then they should have the resources to help its own citizens who are dealing with such devastation. Resources should be allocated to where it is most needed.
Samuel Cheng, Toronto
Why are we giving national aid to either country? I always wonder, as a Canadian, when did I agree I want my government to pour millions or possibly billions of tax money into other countries for charity purposes? I think we should use the money to create jobs, improve public transit, help the homeless, improve health care, help university students, impoverished children - basically anything Canadian.
Matthew Boddy, Toronto
I think that Canada does more then enough for China. I don't believe that our government should switch interests from one disaster to another just because there are a lot of Chinese in the GTA screaming for relief. Burma obviously had the worse of the two disasters. Besides, the demands are ridiculous from the locals. Provide visas now for families to join their relatives in Canada? Then what, claim refugee status? Let our government to do what they can and what's in the best interest of everyone, not just the Chinese, a communist country, that has poor laws against manufacturing products and we still buy it up.
Keith Coffey, Toronto
We should try to help both if we are able to. We should not choose one or the other.
Tony Gazzola, St. Catharines, Ont.
Considering China is better off financially than the west, China has a lot of money for it's military and weapon development, China has an incredible manufacturing sector volume second to none in the western world. I'd personally let them look after their own recovery.
Marj Bowskill, Belleville, Ont.
Although we all feel sympathy for those affected by these tragedies, we can only do so much. Since China is such a economic powerhouse perhaps they should divert some funds from their military to help their own citizens without needing help from the rest of the world.
Robert Burgess, Whitby
China is supposedly the new economic superpower of the world. Burma is what? A third world country bordering on fourth world status. I believe the answer is obvious. China can afford to help themselves.
Ernest Reed, Toronto
Canada should stop sending aid to other countries and aid their own within Canada. Why is it the taxpayer of Canada carrying the rest of the world?
Robert Poloz, Oakville
Harper announced $30 billion for the military yesterday. If it had been sooner or if we actually kept our forces up to date we could have helped both. In my eyes China has more resources to draw from and the area in Burma is much larger requiring more aid I say go to Burma. If they let us in.
Bob DeVreeze, Bracebridge, Ont.
No. The Chinese government always emphasizes how strong their leadership is - both political and economical – they should already well equipped to handle and capable to due with any disaster. They have the money to build most technological advanced Olympic venues, in order to impress the world – then they should have the resources to help its own citizens. Resources should be allocated to where is most needed.
Samuel Cheng, Toronto
Bad idea. China is a very independent country and it can take care of its self. Burma is really struggling and needs all the help it can get.
Max Fireman, Toronto
This is a tough question. It was a safe bed that any aid to Burma would end up in the hands of the oppressive junta that has actively barred relief work. China, with a population of a close to one and a half billion, and a strong economy, should have the human and financial resources to look after its own problems.
Dave Smith, Fenwick, Ont.
At a time like this, with limited relief resources, aid should be directed to where it is accepted, otherwise, indecisiveness will prevent Canada from helping any people at all.
Sherry Wang, Toronto
Never mind relief efforts for Burma or China, if Ontario keep losing jobs at the rate we are Canada will need to supply relief to people right here in our own province. It is called Ontario.
Robert Reeson, Pontypool, Ont.
It is a ridiculous idea. Are the suffering Burmese suddenly no longer worthy because they have a recalcitrant government who will not allow foreign aid workers to enter? Or perhaps it is that aid teams to China, doing well under world scrutiny, might provide more feel-good stories for the current Canadian government? Aid, in whatever form can be managed, must go to both disaster areas.
Diana Gallaway, Oakville
Please solace and sympathy with the Chinese government and people. China is a unity, indomitable spirit and a strong will, please help China to restore the normal life in the disaster-stricken area. Your help would be greatest appreciated.
June Tian, Mississauga
Since the Burmese military is so intent on saving face rather than saving lives and allowing international aid in to assist, then yes, move that aid to China. They welcome outside help. Let Burma take care of itself.
Jacquie Fraser, Toronto
We should help in terms of looking for trapped victims, providing relevant equipments.
John He, Toronto
Yes, the disaster relief team should be re-directed to China immediately. We don't want to have a team of experts standing by watching people die every minute under the rubbles in Sichuan, China. Most Chinese people consider Canada a generous, peaceful and compassionate nation. It is time to put people's lives before any political differences.
Qi Ren, Mississauga
Let us support Burma. The Chinese have a reputation of being able to take charge and execute actions based on the created society of their own making. The Chinese society is a impressive one and is self-sufficient. The Chinese have a created society based on discipline and organization and have prepared there people to assist others and be assisted by others.
Dennis Smith, Meaford, Ont.
The earthquake has certainly been a tragedy for the Chinese people involved, but the Chinese government will no doubt take advantage of it to divert public attention away from tragedies of its own making, such as the continued occupation of Tibet and China's horrific human rights record.
Ed Butts, Guelph, Ont.
It is quite obvious that the people in need in Burma will never see those aid packages. Their corrupt government will see to that. Give the aid where it will do most good and benefit those it is intended to help.
June Warenycia, Scarborough
