Wednesday, Canadian Paul Calandra, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, visited an important initiative that is increasing food security and improving the nutritional health of Haitian households.

"I am excited to see tangible examples of how Canada is supporting Haiti in its development efforts,” said PS Calandra. “I am proud to witness today the difference that Canada and Canadians are making to help Haitians strengthen their agricultural production and promote public health," , declared Parliamentary Secretary Calandra.

Implemented by Université Laval working closely with the State University of Haiti (UEH), the Fondation CHIBAS - Haiti, the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR) and the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP), and the local community, is improving the nutritional habits of 8,000 people, particularly children, living in the region of Saint-Marc. This initiative also aims to increase the involvement of women in decision making. Through improvements in agricultural production, the integration of new crops, and greater understanding of nutritional health, the project will help increase the incomes of 2,600 women.

"There are still challenges to overcome but I am encouraged by with the progress made to date. I urge all stakeholders to continue to work together to improve the living standards of the Haitian people. Canada is committed to supporting Haiti’s development goals, such as increased access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food and improved healthcare for the people of Saint-Marc, » declared Minister Paradis.

This project will also improve practical university training offered in the areas of agronomy and nutrition, including the development of new crops that will contribute to meeting the energy and food needs of poor rural populations.

HL/ HaitiLibre