Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs issued the following statement regarding Canada's assisted departures from Haiti:
"The safety of Canadians, at home and abroad, is our top priority.
"Our teams in Ottawa and in the region continue to work tirelessly to help Canadians and those with strong ties to Canada leave Haiti.
"We have been working around the clock to facilitate the departure of more Canadian citizens, permanent residents and eligible family members from Haiti.
"To date, we have helped over 250 Canadians, permanent residents and their eligible family members leave the country, through close collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency.
"We have been closely monitoring the demand for assisted departure out of Haiti.
"Now that many have left, the number of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their eligible family members, who can or want to leave Haiti on assisted departure flights has decreased significantly.
"As a result, the last scheduled assisted departure flight from Haiti will take place on Sunday April 7.
"My message to Canadians permanent residents and their eligible family members who are currently in Haiti is this: If you want to leave Haiti, now is the time to do so. If you would like our help in leaving, you must contact Global Affairs Canada.
"The security situation in Haiti remains extremely volatile. Canada's missions in the region are actively monitoring the situation and working with partners and like-minded governments, as well as the international community to address the situation.
"Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and their immediate eligible family members wishing to leave Haiti should:
- apply for a travel document as soon as possible, if they do not currently have valid documents
- contact Global Affairs Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
