Minister Fantino to Travel to Haiti

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 25, 2012) - Today, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation announced he will visit Haiti from November 25 to 28, 2012, to gain a better understanding of how Canada's contributions to Haiti are making a difference in the lives of the Haitian people.

"Canada has played a key role in international efforts to support the people of Haiti to overcome the immense challenges they have faced such as the 2010 earthquake and more recently Hurricane Sandy," said Minister Fantino. "The Government of Canada and Canadians expect transparency and accountability from the Government of Haiti given Canadians significant level of generosity. I will be expressing this expectation in my meetings with senior officials."

While in Haiti, Minister Fantino will meet with President Michel Martelly, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe and Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Richard Casimir. He will also visit development projects supported by Canada in Leogane and Port-au-Prince, and will meet with representatives of Canadian companies in Haiti and other stakeholders.

"I will be discussing with Haitian leaders how they can work towards achieving concrete reforms, so that the public interest is upheld, the rule of law prevails, human rights are protected and the economy is strengthened through local job creation and trade and investment," added the Minister.

For more information on Canada's development efforts in Haiti, please visit the CIDA website.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
819-953-6238
danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca


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