March 9, 2010
OTTAWA—Their Excellencies Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond visited Jacmel today, in the Republic of Haiti, to witness the significant destruction of this region, which was severely affected by the earthquake.
Upon their arrival in Jacmel, Their Excellencies met with representatives from civil society who provided an update on the situation within their community, outlining the reconstruction efforts currently being implemented.
The Governor General saluted the work of Canadian soldiers in Haiti, especially those working in Léogâne and Jacmel.
“Canadian soldiers came to provide emergency assistance and they have done an excellent job. Canada was one of the first countries in the international community to answer the call for help. Our soldiers have established solid foundations that will allow other humanitarian workers and Haitians to continue their work. It is a matter of shared responsibility, as there must be Haitian solutions to Haitian problems,” said Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean.
In the afternoon, Their Excellencies returned to Port-au-Prince to discuss the importance of education in the reconstruction process and long-term development of Haiti. They were accompanied by Ms. Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General; Ms. Mireille Mathieu, Vice-Rector of International Relations at the Université de Montréal and designated vice-rector of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie; and Rectors from Haitian universities. Their Excellencies also participated in other meetings with civil society to identify what is needed to reinstate the country’s infrastructure, particularly in relation to education, governance, health and the economy.
Their Excellencies will leave Haiti on Tuesday, March 9, to undertake a one-day visit to the Dominican Republic on March 10. This working visit will strengthen the relations between the Republic and Canada and recognize the Dominicans’exemplary leadership in reacting to the Haitian crisis. Their Excellencies will meet with Mr. Leonel Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic, and with members of the civil society.
For more information on the visits to the Republic of Haiti and to the Dominican Republic, please visit www.gg.ca.To read the Governor General’s blogs, please visit www.citizenvoices.gg.ca/en⁄blogs⁄michaelle_jean/394 and www.citizenvoices.gg.ca/en⁄blogs⁄ichaelle_jean/395.
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Media Information:
In Ottawa:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287 (office)
613-302-0912 (cell)
meletourneau@gg.ca
In Haiti:
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-302-0249 (cell)
jrocheleau@gg.ca
Marthe Blouin
Official Spokesperson to the Governor General of Canada
613-301-3379 (cell)
mblouin@gg.ca
