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; Canada was at the forefront of international efforts to assist Haiti in completing its first full electoral cycle since its constitution entered into force in 1987. The successful conclusion of elections marks an important step in the democratic development of Haiti.

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 demonstrating the Haitian people's strong attachment to democracy. Successful first-round senatorial and parliamentary candidates competed in the second round of legislative elections on April 21, 2006. Voter turnout was lower at slightly over 30%, but still above the levels of previous elections in Haiti. Outstanding legislative (14 parliament and 1 senate seats), municipal and local elections were held on December 3.  Voter participation was in the 30% range.

The Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) contributed nearly $40 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 all three rounds, and security during the electoral period. This funding also provided part of the costs for the recruitment, training and deployment of over 10,000 national observers over the electoral rounds.

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. For the elections of December 3, Canada contributed 22 long-term observers and 5 technical experts 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.

As requested by the Canadian Government, The Governor General of Canada, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, attended the inauguration of President René G. Préval on May 14, in clear demonstration of Canada’s commitment to the stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Haiti. During her visit to Haiti (from May 13 to May 17), she met with Haitian political and business leaders, members of civil society and Women groups. Mme Jean also met with Canadian military and police members of the UN Mission, as well as other Canadians involved in development activities in Haiti.

Political Situation

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 (after Afghanistan).

Canada is contributing up to 100 civilian police to the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and a Canadian has served for two successive terms until August 2006, 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. On August 15, 2006, MINUSTAH’s mandate was renewed for a six month period until February 2007, at which time further renewal will be considered.

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.

At the international donor conference held on July 25th in Port-au-Prince, the Government of Canada announced its contribution of $520M for the 2006-2011 period. This amount includes the $15 million (Global Peace and Security Fund) contribution for governance, security and justice initiatives announced in Port-au-Prince on June 3rd by Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay. In total, the international community has pledged $840M in funding for Haiti for the period ending December 2007.

Security

The security situation remains a challenge. However, the international community continues to work towards the goal of a stable and safe Haiti. MINUSTAH military contingents, acting under the authority of the UN and in close coordination with the Haitian Government, are playing a key role in the most critical aspects of the fight against criminality. The UN mission is working with the authorities in the implementation of the strategic plan, adopted by the Government of Haiti, for the recruitment, the training and the certification of existing and new members of the PNH (Police Nationale Haitienne).

Criminal groups, mainly in the capital of Port-au-Prince, remain active and armed. The recent peaks of criminal activity attest to the fact that the security situation remains one of the biggest obstacles to the reconstruction process in Haiti. However, Canada and the rest of the international community are steadfastly committed to ensuring that the rule of law permeates every aspect of Haitian society.

A National Commission on Disarmament was established on August 29, 2006, to oversee the implementation of a comprehensive plan of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration which is critical to re-establishing longer term security in Haiti. The success of the DDR program will depend on the full reintegration of former gang members 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.

January 2007