Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada

January 25, 2010

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks in Montreal at the Ministerial Preparatory Conference on Haiti:
 
“Ladies and gentlemen, before I begin I would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here today.  The concern and compassion you have demonstrated for Haiti by being here does credit to the great nations you represent and, of course, reflects the great priority your own citizens place on the challenge before us.  
 
“I would also like to welcome Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive.  Mr. Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government of Canada I’d like to offer you and the entire Haitian population my sincerest condolences.  Please know that our Haitian brothers and sisters are in the thoughts and prayers of all Canadians.
 
“The entire world has been moved by the scenes of devastation in Haiti.  Instant and utter, the destruction wrought by the earthquake in this already fragile country is truly heart-wrenching. 
 
“Like Canada, countries throughout the Hemisphere and around the world have responded swiftly and generously.  Thanks to decisive international action, medical, humanitarian and search and rescue support is pouring into the country. Private citizens are also showing compassion and generosity, and are contributing greatly.  Moved by the suffering of the Haitian people, a record number of people have opened their hearts and made generous contributions to the humanitarian effort.  This generosity – both public and private – is a testament to the kindness and compassion that unites humanity in the face of catastrophe. 
 
“The difficulty we face then is not one of concern, but rather one of coordination.  We must work to ensure that every resource committed, every relief worker, every vehicle, every dollar is used as effectively as possible.
 
“Ladies and gentlemen, Canada takes its role as a world leader very seriously, particularly when it comes to its responsibilities in the Western hemisphere.  This special responsibility Canada shares as a country of the Americas is one reason why we convened this meeting to better harmonize international efforts in Haiti.
 
“In order to do the greatest amount of good, we must work together.   
 
“As we continue to focus on fast and effective humanitarian assistance, we must, at the same time, begin to look to the longer-term challenge of reconstruction.  This meeting is a crucial first step in that direction.  The international community must be prepared for a sustained, significant effort in Haiti, relying on the leadership of the Government of Haiti, and in line with its priorities.
 
“It is Canada’s hope that this meeting will set the stage for a broad international conference on reconstruction that will mobilize the will and resources of all of Haiti’s partners.  Today’s conference will allow us to agree on the principles that should guide our approach to Haiti’s reconstruction. This will be the focus of our work here today.
 
“Let me highlight a few of these principles.  One: Sustainability is key.  We need to commit to Haiti for the long term.  It is not an exaggeration to say that ten years of hard work awaits the world in Haiti. 
 
“Two: We need to focus on effectiveness.  The Haitian people deserve it and our own taxpayers expect it.
 
“Three: We must hold ourselves and each other accountable for the commitments we make.  
“I would like to see emerge from this meeting the beginnings of a plan that will guide reconstruction in Haiti in a way that is effective, coordinated and strategic for the decade to come.
 
“The task before us is great, but greater still is our determination to restore hope to our Haitian friends, members of the great family of nations.  More than ever, we must all unite in support of Haiti.  And I am convinced, ladies and gentlemen, that together we will be up to the challenge.
 
“Thank you.”