March 18, 2004No. 43Denis Coderre, President of the Queen's Privy Council and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, and Aileen Carroll, Minister for International Cooperation, today announced that Canada is committing $1 million to the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) for the creation of a special fund for Haiti. This fund will be used to finance initiatives to restore and maintain Haiti's democratic institutions."Canada is pleased to support the OIF's efforts to rebuild democracy in Haiti, and we encourage other governments of La Francophonie to contribute also," said Minister Coderre. "By helping to resuscitate and further develop Haiti's fundamental democratic institutions, this commitment is an important part of Canada's comprehensive approach to assisting Haiti to overcome its political and economic challenges. Canada is happy to see that the OIF is engaged in these international efforts.""Building capacity in governance, democracy and security takes time and a long-term commitment," said Minister Carroll. "We must continue to strengthen our partnerships with all partners in Haiti, in Canada and internationally and persevere in our efforts to see Haiti well on the road to sustainable development."This contribution will be delivered through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Since the current crisis began, Canada, through CIDA, has contributed a total of close to $13 million to the people of Haiti, including $1.95 million in humanitarian assistance and food aid; $5 million in support of United Nations humanitarian assistance, transition and reconstruction efforts; and a $5-million pledge to the Special Mission of the Organization of American States in Haiti. In addition, Canada is deploying Canadian Forces personnel and equipment as part of the UN Multinational Interim Force to assist in bringing stability to the country.Abdou Diouf, OIF Secretary-General, is in Montreal to take part in official celebrations for the Journée internationale de la Francophonie, hosted by Canada.Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.- 30 -For further information, media representatives may contact:Sarah BainOffice of the Minister responsible for La Francophonie(613) 943-1838Media Relations OfficeDepartment of Foreign Affairs and International Trade(613) 995-1874http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.caAndrew GrahamDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister for International Cooperation(819) 953-3160Media Relations OfficeCanadian International Development Agency(819) 953-6534info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
