Friday in Washington DC, Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, chaired a meeting with major donors and representatives of Haiti's government on how to better coordinate efforts and strengthen accountability for development results in Haiti.

"Canada is reviewing its long-term strategy with Haiti, as we do with all of our programs, because we have a responsibility to achieve lasting results for the people of Haiti," said Minister Fantino. "As part of this review, I was pleased to bring together international counterparts and the Government of Haiti, including His Excellency Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, to discuss donor coordination, as well as mechanisms to ensure greater accountability with the Government of Haiti so we can achieve lasting results, and maximize the value of Canadian taxpayer dollars."

Minister Fantino and Mr. Nigel Fisher, Special Representative of the Secretary General Ad Interim, United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti listens intently to representatives of the Government of Haiti as well as donor countries.

At the meeting, Canada expressed strong support for the aspirations of the Haitian people. While some results have been achieved, progress towards a self-sustaining Haitian economy with sound governance institutions faces continuing challenges. The meeting included leaders from the following organizations and governments: Canada, Haiti, United States, France, Spain, Brazil, United Nations, Inter-American Development Bank, and World Bank.

"Canada is a compassionate neighbour," said Minister Fantino. "That is why we continue to deliver on our long-term development commitments, and why we will continue to support the people of Haiti with life-saving assistance during times of humanitarian crisis."

Also after the meeting with the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe, the Minister Fantino announced Friday that Ottawa would spend an additional $4.9 million in humanitarian assistance to Haiti, among others, for health care and access to drinking water.

HL/ HaitiLibre