Canada is contributing US$1 million to support the International Red Cross's effort on emergency quake relief in China, it was announced Friday.

International Cooperation Minister Bev Oda and Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier said the money will help ensure the basic needs of affected communities are met quickly and effectively.

Canada's contribution will help provide emergency shelter, medical services and relief items, as well as water and sanitation services, they said in a joint statement.

Canadians share the grief of those who have lost their loved ones and stand in solidarity with those involved in the rescue and relief effort, Bernier said.

Canadians "are deeply concerned about the impact of the earthquake," said Oda.

Earlier in the week, Ottawa announced it would also match individual donations to humanitarian organizations working in quake relief in China.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2008)