NEWS RELEASES

May 12, 2006 (4:00 p.m. EDT)
No. 52

GOVERNOR GENERAL TO ATTEND SWEARING-IN

OF HAITIAN PRESIDENT

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today announced that at the request of the Government of Canada, Governor General Michaëlle Jean will travel to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to attend the swearing-in of the new Haitian President, on May 14, 2006.

The Governor General will represent Canada at the inauguration of René Préval, who was elected President of the Republic of Haiti on February 7, 2006.

“Her Excellency will be in Haiti extending her congratulations on behalf of all Canadians to newly elected President René Préval and reiterating Canada’s continued commitment to Haiti,” said Minister MacKay. “In addition, the Governor General will thank the outgoing interim Prime Minister Gérard Latortue for his government’s contribution toward the resumption of the democratic process.”

Canada and Haiti enjoy long-standing relations extending over 100 years and across all sectors of the two societies. Since 1968, Canada has worked with the Haitian authorities to help improve living conditions for the Haitian people and to realize their dreams of a society that is free and democratic, and which upholds the rule of law and human rights. Haiti is currently Canada’s most important long-term development assistance recipient in the Americas.

While in Haiti, the Governor General will meet with Canadians who are working there to build a better future for all Haitians, including those who serve with the UN mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and will also visit Canadian development cooperation projects in the country.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

Frédérique Tsaï Klassen
Rideau Hall Press Office
(613) 993-8158