Ottawa, Ontario?

On the occasion of the second anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that Canada has committed to resettle 5,000 families (approximately 20,000 individuals) displaced by the 2010 earthquake and restore the Champ de Mars, a major public park in Port-au-Prince, for all Haitians to enjoy once again.

“Canada is proud to be a part of the international efforts to help Haiti as it recovers from the earthquake over the past two years. We are fulfilling our commitment to the Haitian people so they can move forward to building their communities and their country,” said Minister Oda. “The Champ de Mars project is a comprehensive Canadian initiative that focuses on the future of Haitian families and businesses as well as restoring a national landmark and place of pride for all Haitians as a public park for all to enjoy.”

The project will contribute to the creation of revenue-generating activities and the rehabilitation of two neighbourhoods damaged by the earthquake, by improving basic infrastructure and providing access to essential services such as water and sanitation.

The Government of Canada is providing $19.9 million over two years to finance the resettlement of camp residents.

This project responds to the priority of the Government of Canada and CIDA to support Haiti’s post-earthquake reconstruction. Working with the Government of Haiti and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project will rehabilitate the infrastructure and local economies of earthquake-affected neighbourhoods.

The project will help re-establish and register 500 informal camp businesses (most owned by women), train 50 entrepreneurs, create 2,000 local construction jobs (e.g. for debris removal, rebuilding and repair of damaged houses) in the neighbourhoods where residents will resettle, as well as rehabilitate community services. In the process, certified construction training will be provided to 240 Haitian workers.

On the eve of the second anniversary of Haiti’s earthquake, Minister Oda visited Haiti and saw first-hand many results achieved through Canada’s commitment to the Haitian people. She also discussed with Haitian government officials long-term development opportunities and challenges facing Haiti.

While great needs remain, Canadians should be proud of their contribution which every day, helps improve the living conditions of the people of Haiti. The Government of Haiti recognizes the generosity of all Canadians and Canada’s support in many areas, particularly in the immediate response following the earthquake.

Courtesy www.cida.gc.ca
Photo by: Roger LeMoyne / © ACDI-CIDA

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