Canada delivers Haiti-purchased vehicles to help Haitian National Police respond to crisis

News release

January 11, 2023- Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and the Minister of National Defence Anita Anand announced that the Canadian Armed Forces have airlifted vital, Haitian-purchased armoured vehicles to Haiti.

The Canadian government responded to Haiti’s request for help as violence continues to escalate in the country. Today, a Canadian military aircraft arrived in Port-au-Prince to transfer the armoured vehicles to the Director General of the Haitian National Police. These vehicles will support the efforts of the Haitian National Police to combat gang violence against Haitian citizens that is impeding the delivery of critical services and humanitarian aid. This is the second time Canada has airlifted Haitian-purchased vehicles to Haiti.

As a steadfast partner and ally of Haiti, Canada remains committed to supporting the Haitian people as they strive for a peaceful and prosperous future. Canada has been supportive of diplomatic efforts toward an inclusive political dialogue that will lead to fair and free elections. In 2022, we have provided more than $98 million in international assistance to respond to the urgent and basic needs of the population, to protect women and girls and to strengthen the security and judicial sectors.

Canada remains concerned about the situation in Haiti. The Government of Canada will continue to put pressure on those responsible for the ongoing violence by imposing sanctions against Haitian elites who are supporting the gangs. These people must stop providing funds and weapons to criminal gangs in Haiti.

Canada continues to monitor the security situation and will explore other ways to help the Haitian people emerge from this crisis.

Quotes

“We have been clear that Canada was not going to stand by idly as the gangs and their supporters continue to terrorize vulnerable populations in Haiti with impunity. Canada is continuing to help the Haitian people emerge from the crisis and restore peace and security by delivering Haitian-purchased armoured vehicles to the national police. We will also continue to increase its pressure by imposing corruption sanctions against Haitian elites.  Canada call on the international community to follow our lead and help Haitian people as they face complex challenges and violence in their country.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Canada continues to support the restoration of peace and security for the Haitian people. Delivery of these Haitian-purchased armoured vehicles will assist the efforts of the Haitian National Police to deliver critically-needed humanitarian assistance and prevent further criminal acts of violence. I thank all Canadian Armed Forces members involved in today’s airlift for their dedicated service.”

- Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

  • In December 2022, Canada conducted a diplomatic mission in Haiti to encourage greater unity among key stakeholders toward a political path and process for democratic elections.

  • Since November 2022, under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations, Canada has imposed sanctions in response to the egregious conduct of 13 Haitian elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.

  • On November 10, 2022 Canada implemented United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution 2653 into Canadian law under the United Nations Act in response to the egregious conduct of armed criminal gangs in Haiti. The sanctions imposed a dealings prohibition against a Haitian gang leader.

  • In October 2022 a Canadian government delegation carried out consultations in Haiti with regional partners, the United Nations, CARICOM and other partners.

  • In partnership with U.S. armed forces, Canada airlifted a commercial delivery of armoured vehicles to Haiti on October 15, 2022.

  • On September 21, 2022 Prime Minister Trudeau announced Canada’s contribution of $20 million to aid reconstruction in Haiti following the 2021 earthquake.

Associated links

Contacts

Adrien Blanchard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adrien.Blanchard@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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Daniel Minden
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Daniel.Minden@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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