Canada-Haiti Relations

Fact Sheet: General country information, political and economic data.

Beginning of Diplomatic Relations

Canada and Haiti officially established diplomatic relations in 1954 when Edward Ritchie Bellemare was appointed Chargé d'Affaires of the Canadian Embassy in Haiti. Over the years, relations have been further cemented by the presence in Canada of a substantial Haitian community and the presence in Haiti of a large number of Canadian development workers, including hundreds of missionaries working primarily in the health and education sectors. Haiti's membership in the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as in La Francophonie, is certainly an important factor in developing closer relations with Canada.

Key Issues

Elections

Canada continues to play an important role in international efforts to restore security and stability, and support long-term reform and reconstruction in Haiti. 

In recognition of the importance of credible elections and the inauguration of a government that has the confidence of the Haitian population for the success of these efforts, Canada is a key contributor to the ongoing electoral process and international observation efforts.

Former President René Préval obtained the majority required to win the presidential elections held concurrently with the first round of legislative elections on February 7. An unprecedented 63% of registered voters filled in their ballots on that day, thus demontrating the Haitian people's strong attachment to democracy. Successful first-round senatorial and parliamentary candidates competed in the second round of legislative results on April 21, 2006. Voter turnout was lower at slightly over 30%, but still above the levels of previous elections in Haiti. The Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) contributed over $30 million for the electoral process, the work of the International Mission for Monitoring Haitian Elections, chaired by the Chief Electoral Officer of Elections Canada, the recruitment and deployment of observers for the first and second round, and security during the electoral period. Additional funding was provided for the recruitment, training and deployment of 3,500 national observers.  

Through Canada Corps, Canada deployed 106 short-term observers to monitor the first round of elections held on February 7, and another 106 Canadian short-term observers for the second round on April 21. The support provided for the enhancement of security during the elections included the provision of electoral security agents as well as radio repeaters and other communications equipment in addition to the deployment, since October 2005, of 25 retired Canadian police experts to enable the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to support the Haitian National Police.

Political Crisis
 

Since the departure of President Aristide on February 29, 2004, Canada has played an important role in international efforts to re-establish security and stability in Haiti and to assist in longer-term reform and reconstruction efforts. Haiti is now Canada's most important long-term development assistance beneficiary in the Americas, and the second largest in the world.

Canada is contributing 100 civilian police to the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and a Canadian was selected by the UN to serve as UN Civilian Police Commissioner for the mission. This contribution follows on a significant Canadian Forces contribution (550 CF) to the UN mandated Multinational Interim Force which facilitated the transition to MINUSTAH.

Haiti's three main challenges are:

• security and justice reform;
• social and economic reconstruction; as well as
• national reconciliation and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

The Government of Canada is contributing more than $180M over two years for the stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Haiti, including $156M in support of the transitional Government's Interim Cooperation Framework.

Security

With the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in place since June 2004, a certain degree of stability has returned to Haiti.  However, the security situation persists with armed clashes resulting in numerous deaths, including several members of the Haitian National Police and MINUSTAH personnel.

The difficult security situation, particularly in the capital city of Port-au-Prince has improved somewhat, due largely to more robust measures undertaken by the UN Stabilisation Mission (MINUSTAH). This is a welcomed development. The MINUSTAH has recently put forth a strategic a plan for the recruitment, the training and the certification of new members of the PNH (Police Nationale Haitienne). Canada has played a key role in the long term development of a strategy for the PNH.

Former members of the Armed Forces of Haiti (the FAD'H), which were abolished by former president Aristide, continue to exercise significant control in certain segments of the country.  Numerous rebel and criminal groups, both supporters and opponents of former president Aristide, also remain active and armed. 

A comprehensive plan of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) has been presented to the Haitian National Commission on Disarmament.  The implementation of this Action Plan for DDR is critical to re-establishing longer term security in Haiti.  The success of the DDR program will depend on the full reintegration of ex-combatants into constructive community life.  This will require the long term support and commitment of the Haitian government and donor countries.

Trade and Investment

International Trade Canada is responsible for positioning Canada as a world business leader and for promoting Canada as a dynamic place to do business. Visit the International Trade Canada web site for information about services for Canadian companies, non-Canadian companies, business development, and information relating to investment or trade policy.

Indigenous Relations

Learn more about the Aboriginal dimension of Canada's relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Development Assistance

CIDA supports projects in the Americas and around the world that are eligible for Canadian aid through development cooperation initiatives.

April 2006