Canada Concerned About the Situation in Haiti

by Foreign Affairs (Canada)

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, today expressed serious concern over the recent protests in Haiti against the rising cost of living.

Peaceful protests against the rising cost of fuel and staples began on April 3. Protests turned violent in the capital and other cities, but have diminished in intensity since April 9.

 

• “We watched with concern the events of the past few days in Haiti,” said Minister Bernier. “Although we respect the right of the Haitian people to peaceful protest, we regret the violence, destruction and ensuing loss of life, and extend our sympathies to the families of the victims and others who have been affected. We are pleased that calm is beginning to return to the streets, and encourage continued dialogue aimed at finding a peaceful resolution of the situation."

• “Haiti has made important progress under the leadership of President Préval, and Canada remains committed to Haiti’s journey towards stability, reconstruction and democratic development.”

• “The situation today reminds us that the gains in Haiti are fragile, and warrant the continued engagement and vigilance of the international community,” said Minister Oda. “I want to assure the men, women and children affected by these events that Canada will remain steadfast in its commitment to the Haitian people, and will continue to deliver the kinds of assistance needed to relieve the effects of rising food prices.”

The Government of Canada is funding short-term measures to address Haitians’ immediate needs. These measures include support to the World Food Programme and to appeals from the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as to local funds which provide food aid, health services and access to clean drinking water. Canada also funds projects that contribute to sustainable results in the longer term by increasing food security, promoting job creation, encouraging agricultural productivity and supporting economic opportunities.

Haiti is the largest recipient of Canadian development assistance in the Americas, with a commitment of $555 million over five years. Canada takes a comprehensive approach in its support for Haiti, with a program designed to meet the needs of the people, reinforce the Haitian government, improve security and access to essential services and elevate overall living conditions in Haiti.

Canadians in the region can contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa at sos@international.gc.ca or make a collect call to the department’s Emergency Operations Centre at 613-996-8885.

 

 

For more information on Canada’s role in Haiti, please consult the following websites:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:
http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/geo/haiti-en.aspx

Canadian International Development Agency:
www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/haiti-e


For more information on the current safety and security situation in Haiti, consult the department’s travel report:
www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=117000

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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx


Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
819-953-6534
info@acdi-cida.gc.ca

www.acdi-cida.gc.ca