On Wednesday, following the growing worsening of the crisis in Haiti, André Frenette, Ambassador of Canada accredited to Port-au-Prince, declared :

The Canadian Ambassador to Haiti today issued the following statement :

"Canada remains deeply concerned about the situation in the country, including acts of violence and loss of life, as weil as a difficult political, economic, social and

security context.

Since last July, Haiti has been experiencing periods of instability, moments of social tension and insecurity that reflect a general concern about the pace of reforms and actions that can positively impact the quality of life of Haitians.

Through protests and in social media, Haitians are expressing themselves on many issues, including economic hardship, demands for transparency and accountability in the PetroCaribe case and on the fight against corruption. We urge politicalleaders, the private sector and representatives of civil society to Iisten to this cali of the people and to work together towards an inclusive and constructive dialogue, open to ail points ofview, in order to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the population. Women and youth have a particularly impOltant role to play in such a dialogue, which should be fully led by Haitians for the benefit of the people of Haiti.

Free expression, peaceful protest, social pressure for change and transparency have an important place in ail democracies; acts of violence and intimidation by violence do not. Canada commends the professional work of the HNP, but we are concerned by reports of excessive use of force by some law enforcement officiaIs during recent demonstrations. We welcome the authorities' commitrnent to shed Iight on these incidents so that the appropriate legal measures are applied.

Canada is aware of the impact that this insecurity and this difficult economic context has on the daily lives of Haitians. Our main concern remains the well-being of the Haitian people, which is at the center of our dialogue with the government and at the heart of Canadian cooperation. Faithful to the long-standing friendship between our two countries, Canadians will continue to support Haitians in these difficult times and remain in solidarity with them."

HL/ HaitiLibre