September 1, 2008
No. 190
Canada Encourages Haitian Senate Vote
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the upcoming Haitian Senate vote on the General Policy Declaration of Prime Minister Michèle Duvivier Pierre-Louis:
"Canada is pleased to learn that the Chamber of Deputies has voted in favour of Prime Minister Pierre-Louis' General Policy Declaration. This is an important step in forming a new government in Haiti.
"Canada hopes that the Haitian Senate will also approve the Declaration, so that Haiti will at long last have a government in place to address the many challenges facing the Haitian people. We hope to work with this new government as part of our continued efforts toward the democratization, stabilization and reconstruction of Haiti, which will benefit all Haitians. Unfortunately, these efforts have been hampered by the political and institutional crisis that has persisted in the country for over four months.
"Haiti is Canada's second largest aid recipient and a key priority for Canada's engagement in the Americas. Ensuring political stability and promoting the public interest are vital if institutions are to work effectively and the country is to thrive."
For more information, see "Canada Pleased with Ratification of Haiti's New Prime Minister" at: http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&publication_id=386418&Language=E&docnumber=170.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
