February 22, 2008
No. 42
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a
three-day visit to Haiti during which he took stock of progress made there since Prime
Minister Stephen Harper’s visit in July 2007.
“I had a very productive first official visit to Haiti, and I can confirm that Canada’s
contributions are helping Haiti achieve concrete results in the areas of security and
development,” said Minister Bernier.
The Minister reiterated Canada’s long-term commitment to Haiti with the announcement
of five projects financed by the Global Peace and Security Fund, totalling $19.1 million.
“These projects, aimed at promoting security, sound border management, and
supporting the reform of the Haitian police force, strongly reaffirm the Canadian
government’s commitment to Haiti, an important partner in our re-engagement in the
Americas.”
Minister Bernier met with President René Préval, Prime Minister Jacques-Édouard
Alexis, and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Rénald Clérismé. He also met with the head of
the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Hédi Annabi. During
these meetings, Minister Bernier highlighted Canada’s steadfast support for
MINUSTAH, and its resolve to work with partners from the international community to
ensure that progress made in the area of security will result in social and economic
benefits for all Haitians.
Mr. Bernier, with Minister Clérismé, also signed the Joint Declaration of Intent on the
Establishment of Expanded Consultations Between Canada and the Republic of Haiti,
aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Bernier visited Belladère for the launch of construction of the border post, and
met with government representatives from Haiti and the Dominican Republic there. He
emphasized Canada’s support for constructive dialogue and joint security efforts
between the two countries aimed at finding solutions to shared challenges as well as
improving regional stability. And in Jérémie, he inaugurated construction of the
Jérémie-Les Cayes highway, a $75-million project announced last week in Montreal by
the Honourable Beverley Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, and the
Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services.
Canada is the second-largest bilateral donor in Haiti, with a $555-million commitment
over five years (2006-2011) to support the country’s long-term reconstruction and
development. Canada is providing MINUSTAH with up to 100 civilian police officers and
four soldiers occupying key positions within the Mission. It has also deployed eight
specialists to Haiti who are helping to reform the country’s correctional system.
For more information on Canada’s role in Haiti, please consult the following websites:
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade:
http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/current_discussions/reconstructinghaiti-en.aspx.
Canadian International Development Agency:
http://www.acdi.gc.ca/haiti-e.
Correctional Service of Canada:
http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/intlforum/pbrm/haiti-eng.shtml
Royal Canadian Mounted Police:
http://www.rcmp.ca/peace_operations/index_e.htm
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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
Backgrounder
NEW CANADIAN PROJECTS IN HAITI
Haiti is the largest beneficiary of Canada’s development assistance in the Americas and
the second largest in the world. Canada has pledged $555 million over five years to
support the reconstruction and long-term development of the country.
The five projects totalling $19.1 million announced in Haiti by Minister Bernier include:
Rebuilding police training schools ($3.3 million)
The Haitian government has identified reform of the National Police as a key priority,
crucial to the consolidation of security and re-establishment of the rule of law. The
contribution of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) to the
International Organization for Migration will support improvement and expansion of
police training facilities. Adequate capacity will allow police to train enough cadets to
reach the 2011 target of a 14,000-strong force.
Rebuilding and equipping 21 police stations in the Département du Sud
($3.5 million)
DFAIT’s contribution to the United Nations Development Program will support efforts to
strengthen police capacity in Haiti’s Département du Sud by rebuilding and equipping
21 police stations. By ensuring that police officers working in the region have adequate
equipment and facilities to carry out their functions, this project helps increase security
and prevent crime in a region affected by such organized crime issues as illicit
trafficking of drugs.
Building a border post at Belladère ($2.4 million)
Haiti has identified strengthening state presence and delivery of key services along the
Haiti–Dominican Republic border as an important area of engagement. DFAIT’s
contribution to the Pan American Development Foundation will support construction of
a border post in Belladère, a major border crossing between the two countries. This
project will provide necessary administrative facilities for the Haitian police, immigration,
and customs officials.
Strengthening Haitian capacity to manage migration and human trafficking
($2.9 million)
Implemented by the International Organization for Migration, this initiative is helping
build Haiti’s capacity to manage migration and address the crime of human trafficking
by providing training and legislative technical assistance to the Ministry of Interior, as
well as equipping and rebuilding 20 Haitian ports of entry.
Strengthening Coast Guard capacity at Les Cayes ($7 million)
Combatting transnational crime, including trafficking of illicit drugs, is another priority
identified by the Government of Haiti as necessary for stabilization. The Haitian Coast
Guard plays a key role in counter-narcotics efforts by securing Haiti’s maritime borders.
DFAIT’s contribution will help strengthen the Coast Guard through the construction of a
base and wharf in Les Cayes, on the southern coast of the country.
