February 5, Minister of National Defence Anita Anand and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly announced Canada has deployed a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft to support Canada’s efforts to disrupt the activities of gangs in Haiti, and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to the Haitian people.
Canada making efforts to address the dire security situation in the country and supports the Haitian National Police. Canada is providing this assistance in response to Haiti’s request for support, as violence continues to escalate in the country.
The Aurora will provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to bolster efforts to establish and maintain peace and security for the people of Haiti. The CP140 aircraft has already deployed to the region and is currently operating over Haiti. It will remain in the region for a number of days.
Canada supports diplomatic efforts toward an inclusive political dialogue that will lead to fair and free elections. It has provided more than $98 million in international assistance to respond to the urgent and basic needs of the population, imposed sanctions on those responsible for the ongoing violence, including Haitian elites, who are enabling the gangs; and provided support to the Haitian National Police. In October and January, the RCAF airlifted Haitian-purchased armoured vehicles to the Director General of the Haitian National Police in response to requests from the Haitian government.
