2 March 2010
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Governor General Michaëlle Jean will conduct a working visit to Haiti and the Dominican Republic March 8 to 10. She will be accompanied by her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond.
This visit will reinforce the partnership between Canada and Haiti in the recovery and reconstruction of that country. Their Excellencies will engage the Haitian authorities and civil society groups as central players in a long-term, sustainable strategy for reconstruction and development of Haiti. The Governor General will also use the opportunity to underscore the importance of education, culture, women and youth within the broader reconstruction and recovery.
The second part of the trip will serve to reinforce Canada’s positive relations with the Dominican Republic, an important and like-minded regional partner. The Governor General will commend the Dominican Republic for its leadership in responding to the crisis in Haiti, and will encourage the Dominican Republic to remain engaged in the long-term reconstruction of Haiti as well as in the development strategy for the Island of Hispaniola.
For more information about this working visit, including the complete itinerary, please see http://www.gg.ca.
