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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>March 18, 2004 <em>(4:10 p.m. EST)</em>
No. 43</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA PROVIDES $1 MILLION FOR<br>
DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IN HAITI</strong></font></p>
<p>Denis Coderre, President of the Queen's Privy Council and Minister responsible for
La Francophonie, and Aileen Carroll, Minister for International Cooperation, today
announced that Canada is committing $1 million to the International Organisation of
La Francophonie (OIF) for the creation of a special fund for Haiti. This fund will be used
to finance initiatives to restore and maintain Haiti's democratic institutions.</p>
<p>"Canada is pleased to support the OIF's efforts to rebuild democracy in Haiti, and we
encourage other governments of La Francophonie to contribute also," said
Minister Coderre. "By helping to resuscitate and further develop Haiti's fundamental
democratic institutions, this commitment is an important part of Canada's
comprehensive approach to assisting Haiti to overcome its political and economic
challenges. Canada is happy to see that the OIF is engaged in these international
efforts."</p>
<p>"Building capacity in governance, democracy and security takes time and a long-term
commitment," said Minister Carroll. "We must continue to strengthen our partnerships
with all partners in Haiti, in Canada and internationally and persevere in our efforts to
see Haiti well on the road to sustainable development."</p>
<p>This contribution will be delivered through the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA). Since the current crisis began, Canada, through CIDA, has contributed
a total of close to $13 million to the people of Haiti, including $1.95 million in
humanitarian assistance and food aid; $5 million in support of United Nations
humanitarian assistance, transition and reconstruction efforts; and a $5-million pledge
to the Special Mission of the Organization of American States in Haiti. In addition,
Canada is deploying Canadian Forces personnel and equipment as part of the UN
Multinational Interim Force to assist in bringing stability to the country.</p>
<p>Abdou Diouf, OIF Secretary-General, is in Montreal to take part in official celebrations
for the Journée internationale de la Francophonie, hosted by Canada.</p>
<p>Funding for these initiatives was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget and
is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.</p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Sarah Bain<br>
Office of the Minister responsible for La Francophonie<br>
(613) 943-1838</p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071207012741/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
<p>Andrew Graham<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister for International Cooperation<br>
(819) 953-3160</p>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
Canadian International Development Agency<br>
(819) 953-6534<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071207012741/mailto:info@acdi-cida.gc.ca">info@acdi-cida.gc.ca</a></p>
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