The guiding principles assisting CAUSE Canada in making decisions concerning whether or not to respond to crises are listed below:

1. The country in crisis must be found within either Central America or West Africa.
2. CAUSE Canada must be able to clearly demonstrate an expertise in the required type of intervention: i.e. - water purification, house construction, food distribution etc.
3. If the primary beneficiaries of an emergency intervention involve communities with whom CAUSE Canada has previously worked, then CAUSE Canada will endeavor to respond.

Refugee and Displaced Persons Assistance
CAUSE Canada will respond to the needs of displaced persons who have been dislocated due to either war or a natural disaster. In responding to the needs of these people, however, a priority will be placed upon meeting basic human needs such as potable water, food, housing, and medical assistance.

Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are understood to refer to such phenomena as earthquakes, hurricanes/typhoons, floods, tidal waves, mud slides or range fires. If, and when such occurrences take place in one of CAUSE Canada’s geographical regions, the organization is willing to play a leadership role in helping to coordinate relief efforts in the area.

Recovery Activities
CAUSE Canada’s primary interest in the context of emergency relief efforts lies in the area of "recovery" work. Assisting communities in turning "vulnerabilities into capacities" is of great interest to the agency. Often traumatic events provide wonderful opportunities for new beginnings, and helping people to take advantage of these opportunities can be an important first step in undertaking long-term development commitments.