August 1, 2008
No. 170
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today welcomed the ratification of the new Haitian P Prime Minister, Michèle Pierre-Louis.
"Political stability is essential to sustaining progress made in stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Haiti. Canada is pleas ed with the confirmation of Ms. Pierre-Louis," said Minister Emerson.
"We look forward to working with the new prime minister and the members of her government, and encoura ge the continuation of efforts being made to establish a fair and effective government that will work to improve the living conditions of all Haitians," he added.
Haiti is one of Cana da's foreign policy priorities and a key part of our strategy for re-engagement in the Americas. Canada has committed $555 million to Haiti over five years, making it the largest recipient of Canadian development assistance in the Americas.
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 s ervices and elevate overall living conditions in Haiti.
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For further information, media re presentatives may contact:
Anne Howland
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-185 1
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
