NEWS RELEASES
February 28, 2004 (9:15 p.m. EST) No. 29
ASSISTANCE TO CANADIANS IN HAITI
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and Minister of National Defence David Pratt today
announced that the three CC-130 Hercules aircraft dispatched to Haiti are assisting in
facilitating the voluntary departure of Canadian nationals in the absence of commercial
flights.
"Canadians are deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Haiti," said Minister
Graham. "We urge all parties to show restraint and make every effort to resolve this
crisis peacefully."
"The elements of the Canadian Forces operating in Haiti in support of the Department
of Foreign Affairs are well trained, experienced and extremely professional," said
Minister Pratt. "Canadians in Haiti, their families and friends, will see their Canadian
Forces ready and able to come to their aid."
The CC-130 Hercules aircraft are supporting the Canadian Forces planning and
security teams dispatched earlier this week at the request of the Department of Foreign
Affairs. These aircraft stand ready to provide further support to the Department of
Foreign Affairs as the situation dictates.
Canada's Ambassador to Haiti, Kenneth Cook, and senior officials are closely
monitoring the deteriorating situation. Canada's Embassy remains open for essential
services, delivered from the official residence. On February 25, the Department of
Foreign Affairs updated its Travel Advisory on Haiti, urging Canadians not to travel to
Haiti and advising those in the country to leave. Canadians who choose to remain are
advised to maintain a high level of vigilance, monitor local developments and news
broadcasts, and review their security arrangements carefully.
Officials from Citizenship and Immigration Canada are in Haiti to assist in processing
visa applications of spouses, partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens and
permanent residents during this period of unrest. A temporary visa office has been set
up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to process temporary resident visas. In view
of the crisis, immigration officers in Canada and at ports of entry are adopting a flexible
approach when dealing with Haitian clients.
Canada continues to support the Special Mission of the Organization of American
States (OAS) and the efforts of the Caribbean Community and Common Market
(CARICOM), which aim to reinforce democracy in Haiti and bring about a peaceful
solution to this crisis.
On February 20, Canada pledged $5 million to the OAS Special Mission in Haiti. The
contribution was provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in
support of the CARICOM initiative and OAS Resolution 861, adopted on February 19.
Since the current crisis began, Canada has contributed $1.95 million in humanitarian
assistance and food aid for the people of Haiti.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Darren Gibb
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-4649
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
National Defence Media Liaison Office
(613) 996-2353/54
After hours: (613) 792-2973
This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International
Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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