Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Welcome to our guests from Global Affairs.
You have one of the most challenging tasks. I think there's a long and proud history of Canada's contribution and involvement in the support of the Haitian people and in the response to both their security and their humanitarian requirements, but it remains a very significant challenge.
My area of inquiry this morning will basically centre on three areas.
Mr. Richardson, you just spoke about the fairly significant financial commitment Canada has made to both security and financial assistance for Haiti—some $450 million over the past three years. I would like some understanding, because I think there are many countries that have been contributing—none, quite frankly, to the extent that Canada does in many respects—but at the same time, there is a level of coordination you are able to provide.
We are concerned with civil society in Haiti. It does not really possess a functional government, and although the PNH struggles valiantly in an effort to maintain security, it remains a daunting task. As you've indicated, 90% of Port-au-Prince, for example, is under the control of the gangs.
Could you share with us, perhaps, a little about the effort you're making to make sure that, with our financial contributions, both humanitarian and security, there is some level of coordination with others who are contributing and with Haitian partners, if they do exist, in Haiti?