Question Period Note: HAITI

• The international community must do even more to help the Haitian people at this time of need; we will not sit idly by while gangs and their supporters terrorize Haitian citizens.
• Learning from historical interventions, Canada is taking a different approach. We are focused on supporting Haitians’ efforts, including the Haitian National Police, to restore security and order, and addressing the roots causes of insecurity by targeting those who commit and enable the illegal activities.
• Canada completed a diplomatic mission to Haiti on December 7-9, 2022, to encourage greater unity among key stakeholders towards a political path and process for democratic elections. Officials discussed options to support Haitian-led efforts to address the humanitarian and security crises and on the potential role that Canada could play in the international response.
• Canada plans to enact further sanctions to pressure gangs and those who support them to end violence and allow Haitian authorities to restore law and order.
• Canada is ready to continue contributing to strengthening the Haitian National Police and the judicial system.

The situation remains precarious. The capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) to restore and maintain order continues to be limited even though it had some success in restoring access to the Varreux fuel terminal. The distribution of fuel, and therefore, water, medicine and food has resumed in Port-au-Prince, although access to other regions is still limited.
Armed gangs are very active and have increased violence, kidnappings and road blockades. As a result of gang activity and regional fuel shortages, economic activity remains slow, and schools are slowly reopening.
Humanitarian organizations continue to face significant challenges in reaching the most vulnerable people and responding to the cholera epidemic. As of December 12, 2022, there were 14,934 suspected cases, 1,277 confirmed cases and 300 cholera-related deaths.
Canada sent a diplomatic mission to Haiti, headed by Bob Rae, on December 7-9, 2022. The mission sought to encourage greater unity among key stakeholders towards a political path and process for democratic elections.

None