The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation of Canada, is travelling to Haiti next week to mark the second anniversary of the earthquake of January 12, 2010 and to reconfirm Canada's support for the Government of Haiti's key reconstruction priorities. Minister Oda will meet with the President, the Prime Minister and key Haitian government officials.

"Our Government has been working with the Government of Haiti, our Canadian partners, and our international counterparts to achieve tangible progress in Haiti," said Minister Oda. "As we mark the second anniversary of this tragic event, we must maintain the momentum so the Haitian people can continue to rebuild and maintain hope for a better future."

Through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), as well as other departments and agencies, the Government of Canada is delivering on its commitments to Haiti, including its $400 million post-earthquake commitment over two years and the $220 million Fund for the victims of January 12, 2010.

CIDA is leading various initiatives, such as training teachers, building health care facilities, providing nutritious daily meals to school children, revitalizing agricultural production, enabling access to financial services, building infrastructures, and modernizing the civil registry. CIDA, through the multi-donor Haiti Reconstruction Fund, also supports debris removal and the construction of permanent housing solutions.

While great needs remain, Canadians should be proud of their contribution which is every day improving the living conditions for the people of Haiti.

HL/ HaitiLibre