Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and the Minister of National Defence Anita Anand announced that the Canadian Armed Forces have airlifted vital, Haitian-purchased armoured vehicles to Haiti.
The Canadian government responded to Haiti's request for help as violence continues to escalate in the country. Today, a Canadian military aircraft arrived in Port-au-Prince to transfer the armoured vehicles to the Director General of the Haitian National Police. These vehicles will support the efforts of the Haitian National Police to combat gang violence against Haitian citizens that is impeding the delivery of critical services and humanitarian aid. This is the second time Canada has airlifted Haitian-purchased vehicles to Haiti.
As a steadfast partner and ally of Haiti, Canada remains committed to supporting the Haitian people as they strive for a peaceful and prosperous future. Canada has been supportive of diplomatic efforts toward an inclusive political dialogue that will lead to fair and free elections. In 2022, we have provided more than $98 million in international assistance to respond to the urgent and basic needs of the population, to protect women and girls and to strengthen the security and judicial sectors.
Canada remains concerned about the situation in Haiti. The Government of Canada will continue to put pressure on those responsible for the ongoing violence by imposing sanctions against Haitian elites who are supporting the gangs. These people must stop providing funds and weapons to criminal gangs in Haiti.
Canada continues to monitor the security situation and will explore other ways to help the Haitian people emerge from this crisis.
