In response to escalating violence and instability in Haiti, Canada is broadening its evacuation efforts to encompass not only citizens but also their relatives and Canadian permanent residents.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly disclosed a week ago the commencement of airlift operations to evacuate Canadians holding valid passports from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. Now, in an extension of those efforts, Canada has organized a charter flight, available for a market rate, to facilitate travel between the Dominican Republic and Montreal for those seeking refuge.
The decision to expand evacuation efforts comes amid mounting concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Haiti. Global Affairs Canada has reported a surge in requests for assistance from Canadians stranded in Haiti, as optimism for a reprieve from widespread violence has been shattered by the resurgence of gang-related chaos.
Haiti has been mired in a protracted political and humanitarian crisis since mid-2021, with gangs wreaking havoc across the nation, impeding access to essential resources such as food and medical supplies. The situation took a turn for the worse recently when the possibility of foreign military intervention prompted gangs to escalate violence, leading to the release of prisoners and the closure of Haiti’s primary airport.
Following the successful completion of Canada’s assisted departure operation from Haiti to the Dominican Republic, which facilitated the safe departure of 153 Canadians, the government is now broadening its efforts to include direct departures from Port-au-Prince to Canada.
As of a week ago, approximately 3,110 individuals with ties to Canada had registered their presence in Haiti with the Canadian authorities, with only 500 requesting assistance to leave. However, this number has since increased, reflecting the growing urgency among Canadians to flee the volatile conditions gripping the country.
As the evacuation operations continue, Global Affairs Canada’s ongoing coordination and support remain crucial in ensuring the well-being of those affected by the situation in Haiti.