Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:
"Canada is committed to supporting Haiti and the Haitian people. Our immediate priority remains the safety and security of Canadians as we continue to closely monitor the security situation in Haiti.
"Global Affairs Canada continually assesses the security of its personnel and property abroad through a rigorous risk assessment analysis. Due to the volatility of the security situation, the lack of reliable supplies and the need to support an effective presence in a volatile situation, Canada is temporarily drawing down to essential personnel at its embassy in Haiti. Relocated personnel will continue to fulfill their duties from a third country. In similar situations, temporary drawdowns of missions are not uncommon.
"In these difficult times, Canada's embassy will continue to support Canadians who remain in the country, as well as Haiti and the Haitian people. Canada's ambassador to Haiti will also remain in the country and continue to engage Haitian stakeholders and international partners toward the implementation of the political agreement. We will continue to support Haitian-led solutions to the political, security and humanitarian crises.
"The embassy of Canada in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, remains temporarily closed to the public. However, we continue to provide consular services to Canadians requiring assistance in Haiti.
