The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation of Canada, is travelling to Haiti next week to meet with government officials and aid groups working to rebuild the country after the January 12, 2010. Minister Oda will meet with President Martelly and other government officials to reiterate Canada's support for the Haitian people. Minister Oda will also visit Canadian projects to observe the progress made to date and in preparation for the next stages of the long-term reconstruction process.

"This is a very important trip, as Canadians demonstrated their support for the people in Haiti who were affected by the earthquake. The Government of Canada recognizes that the reconstruction process will take several years, and we are committed to standing with our Haitian friends during this process," stated Minister Oda. "It is important that the most vulnerable get the help they need while we work on long-term reconstruction. We must work with the Haitian government to ensure we meet immediate needs and give Haiti a brighter future."

Canada pledged $400 million over two years to support Haiti's Action Plan for National Recovery and Development and toward the priorities of the Haitian government. This was in addition to Canada's $150 million in immediate humanitarian assistance provided to Haiti following the January 12, 2010.

In addition, the government recognized the generosity of Canadians, who overwhelmingly demonstrated their compassion for the Haitian people. Individual Canadians donated more than $220 million, an amount that the federal government matched. In total, between 2006 and 2012, the Government of Canada committed more than $1 billion toward Haiti, making that country Canada's largest aid beneficiary in the Americas.

Minister Oda will assess the progress being made and learn more about the new Haitian government's reconstruction plans to ensure that Canada's support will be effective and make a real difference.

HL/ HaitiLibre