Japan gives Canada $1 million to help with debris
Japan gives Canada $1 million for shore cleanup of tsunami debris
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- Japan is giving Canada $1 million to assist in the cleanup of debris that has landed on the Pacific coast province of British Columbia from the 2011 tsunami.
Japan's Vancouver Consul General Seiji Okada said California, Oregon and Washington state each are being given $1 million as well.
Canadian officials estimate up to 1.5 million metric tons of tsunami debris could reach western shores.
Okada says the funds are in recognition of Canada's support in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. He says Canadians donated millions to aid Japan.
British Columbia Environment Minister Terry Lake says about half a million dollars has been spent on cleanup so far, but Lake says the volume of debris is not as much as once feared.
