Minister Paradis Visits Haiti to Assess Progress and Challenges

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI--(Marketwired - Aug 28, 2013) - In his first international trip since being appointed Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, the Honourable Christian Paradis visited Haiti to see first-hand what progress has been made, what results have been achieved, and what development challenges must be tackled going forward. "Canadians are an immensely generous people and they remain deeply concerned with the challenges the Haitian people face every day," said Minister Paradis. "Canada has made significant investments to help the people of Haiti, especially in relocating people who have lived in camps since the earthquake. However, we must all be mindful of the challenges that remain. Among other things, we encourage the Government of Haiti to continue to reform government and the public service, and to establish the rule of law." Canada is strongly calling on Haitian political authorities to make sure they manage ongoing political and institutional issues in a way that does not impede development efforts. While in Haiti, Minister Paradis announced a contribution of $6.6 million to continue the support Canada has been providing since 2006 to the World Food Programme's Support to Sustainable School Feeding program in Haiti. This project provides a daily meal to schoolchildren to reduce chronic hunger and malnutrition, improve learning, and increase school attendance.