Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to convey to the hon. member, in this House, the Canadian government's commitment to democracy in Haiti.
First, a group of Canadian police officers have trained Haitians who will be called upon to perform civil police duties in the coming weeks. Second, a Canadian Armed Forces contingent will join in the peacekeeping operations as soon as the UN decides to send out a peacekeeping contingent to replace the multinational force presently serving in Haiti.
The Government of Canada has launched a program to support the Aristide government by investing substantial amounts in helping non governmental organizations provide what is referred to as basic care and essential services to the people of Haiti.