The case for making Haiti Canada's next major mission

With the country's defence and aid commitments to Afghanistan set to expire in 2011, support is growing for Haiti to take its place.

By Carl Meyer

Published January 27, 2010

1 Comment

The official photos say it all.

In one, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, flanked by Canadian and American flags, is shown in the midst of a sweeping hand gesture toward United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as the two sit against a backdrop with the words "Strength in Union" repeated in a pattern.

In another, Mr. Harper sits between Ms. Clinton and Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive, in conversation...

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Story Comments (1)

01/27/10 at 10:01 am

By Larry Rousseau

As a Canadian of Haitian origin, I know I reflect most Haitians' opinions in stating that HaÃ¯ti needs relief, reconstruction, and stabilization, not militarization. There is no military threat coming from HaÃ¯ti, and there never has been. Except perhaps, in the possible invasions of "boat people" that start up because of terrible conditions there. The Canadian (or any foreign) government should not "bank" on reallocating military resources and personnel from Afghanistan to HaÃ¯ti. Because there simply is no need to do so. Combat forces are not needed in HaÃ¯ti and never will be. Peacekeeping perhaps, and only if the democratically elected Haitian national government requests it. Keep it simple. If we get the help to the people, there will be stability. We must stop being paternalistic about HaÃ¯ti. Haiti only demands respect. Reconstruction of HaÃ¯ti must be for the people of HaÃ¯ti, by the people of HaÃ¯ti, with the assistance of the international community. Period. Also, most Haitians will agree with me that we must keep out the "international development" vultures who circle the island with visions of tax-free salaries, and nice (and now rare) luxury homes with chauffeurs and servants. Visions of Afghanistan, indeed! For Pete's sake, let's get it right, this time!