Statement by the Official Opposition on 4th anniversary of Haiti earthquake

NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) and NDP International Development critic Hélène Laverdière (Laurier–Sainte-Marie) made the following statement on the 4th anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti:

“Haiti was shaken in 2010 by one of the largest natural disasters in history. Today, New Democrats join Haitians in remembrance on 4th anniversary of the earthquake that left more than 300,000 people dead.

Slowly recovering from this tragedy, Haiti remains in need of support and assistance. Canada has long been a great ally to Haiti. The Canadian government must continue its efforts, and respect its commitment to Haitians to help them recover from this disaster.

In that spirit, we urge the government to unfreeze funding for new reconstruction projects in Haiti. Reconstruction will take time, and we must not move backwards just when our efforts are starting to bring results. The government must recognize the gradual progress we are making.

The government must be clear in its long-term commitment to the people of Haiti. Canada must continue working alongside the government of Haiti and others in the international community to help Haitians rebuild and come back stronger.”