With scores feared dead in Haiti after a powerful earthquake struck Tuesday, the Canadian government is offering its assistance.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Canada is ready to help the people of Haiti "during this time of need."

Canada is home to a large community of those of Haitian descent and "our thoughts and prayers are with them as they seek word about the safety of their loved ones," Harper added.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said about 6,000 Canadians are in Haiti and there have yet to be reports if any are injured. Canadians concerned about relatives in the country can call the emergency operations centre in Ottawa at 1-800-387-3124, (613) 943-1055, or by email: sos@international.gc.ca.

Canadians in Haiti can contact embassy officials in Port-au-Prince by calling the Department of Foreign Affairs' Emergency Operations Centre collect at (613) 996-8885.

The Canadian embassy has been evacuated as a precaution, Cannon said.

Governor General Michaelle Jean, who was born in Haiti, released a statement Tuesday evening, expressing her concern.

"This natural disaster has hit a country with an extremely fragile infrastructure, where many buildings are already unstable, and where living conditions are often very difficult. I fear for its people," she wrote. "I would like all Haitians to know that they are not alone and that the people of Canada will respond to this emergency."

The Canadian government has a large presence in Haiti. Canadians are also attached to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the country.

The UN headquarters in Haiti sustained "serious damage" and an unknown number of personnel are unaccounted for, including five Canadians.

Members of the RCMP and the Department of National Defence also operate in Haiti.

Dr. Eric Pierre, Honourary Consul of Haiti to Canada, told media he was deeply saddened to learn that another natural disaster had struck the country. He said Haiti is still recovering from hurricanes that struck last year, causing widespread damage to the country's infrastructure.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff also released a statement Tuesday saying: "In the days ahead, we must work together to ensure the safety of all those affected by this earthquake, and we offer our support and encouragement for any efforts by the Government of Canada to bring quick assistance to this region."