Evidence of meeting #4 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was agreement.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:50 p.m.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Marty Morantz
You're good. Okay.
For the next round, Mr. Ehsassi, you have the floor for five minutes. Please proceed.
February 7th, 2022 / 12:50 p.m.
Liberal
Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Allow me to also thank all the witnesses for their very helpful testimony.
I think what we have all heard so far is that Canada has been incredibly active on a bilateral basis, as well as in the context of multilateral deliberations. That said, given our active role and given what Mr. Grant referred to as the multi-dimensional crises that are unfolding in Haiti, I wonder if Mr. Grant and Mr. Carrière could perhaps inform us as what we would like to see other partner countries address at this particular point given the numerous challenges on the ground in Haiti.
12:50 p.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Americas, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
The first thing that would come to mind is what we saw a couple of weeks ago. It has been quite a while since we've had a broad international meeting on Haiti. Yes, there's the Core Group, and yes, there are some bodies in the UN, but that meeting brought together quite a number of partners beyond the norm. That was quite impressive to see and important.
It was important for Haitians, first and foremost. They saw that the international community is engaged. Going forward, the meeting in January was important, and there's another one coming up that's actually organized by Haiti and the UN looking at the humanitarian assistance that's needed.
I think countries need to step up. The average contributions for Haiti over the last few years have fallen well short of what's needed. There are some donors that still maintain a high level, and Canada is one of them. More donors need to step up.
The other thing we've seen, and the meeting on the 21st was a good example, is that countries of the region are really playing a much more active role. I think that's positive. The Dominican Republic is a great example, as well as CARICOM as an organization and individual members. More of that would be helpful.
12:55 p.m.
Liberal
Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON
Thank you.
We have heard repeatedly today that it's important that the solution be provided by Haitians. It is a great pleasure to have Mr. Dubourg amongst us today. He has been a fount of knowledge on developments in Haiti.
To make sure that we're making the most of the resources we have in this country and that we are hearing from the diaspora here in Canada, what mechanisms are available?
12:55 p.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Americas, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
As a foreign ministry, first and foremost, Global Affairs is always open to hearing from Canadians on foreign policy priorities, whether it comes in at officials or at the political level, and I think actually Ambassador Carrière, in Port-au-Prince, is probably on the front line of a lot of those interactions.
Sébastien, you might want to add some points.
12:55 p.m.
Ambassador of Canada to Haiti, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Specifically on the diaspora, I grew up in Montreal surrounded by Haitians. I have a Haitian uncle, a Haitian best friend, even a Haitian father-in-law at some point; all that to say that one thing we can say about our Haitian diaspora is that they're not shy. They reach out directly and indirectly at all times, and it's very good to hear from them.
What I'm getting from them is, frankly, the same kind of vibe I'm getting from this committee: Across party lines, there is interest in Haitian solutions and interest in supporting such Haitian solutions.
I have to say, the meeting a few weeks ago was quite a sight to be seen, where you had some 20 foreign ministers, from a very diverse group, all sitting around the table telling the Haitian people and its government that we're ready to help once they've figured out what they want to do.
The international community is very well disposed to accompany Haiti on its path back to democracy.
12:55 p.m.
Liberal
Ali Ehsassi Liberal Willowdale, ON
Thank you very much.
I have only 10 seconds remaining, so I will cede the floor. Thank you.
12:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Marty Morantz
Thank you, everyone. It being 12:58, that brings us to the end of our meeting.
Ambassador Carrière, Mr. Grant and Ms. Cesaratto, thank you very much. It has been a very interesting round of questions and answers. I thank you all for your testimony today.
With that, if there are no other issues that members of the committee would like to raise, I call this meeting adjourned.