Canada reduces diplomatic footprint in Haiti citing 'volatile' environment
CTV
The Canadian government is reducing its diplomatic footprint in Haiti to 'essential employees,' at the embassy in Port-au-Prince, but so far has no plans to begin evacuating citizens as unrest continues to grip the Caribbean nation.
The Canadian government is reducing its diplomatic footprint in Haiti to "essential employees," at the embassy in Port-au-Prince, but so far has no plans to begin evacuating citizens as unrest continues to grip the Caribbean nation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced the move Thursday, saying the paring down of staff will allow Canada to "maintain our presence in Haiti to support Canadians during this volatile situation, given limited availability of supplies."
As of Thursday, the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince remains temporarily closed to the public "due to the unpredictable security situation."
The remaining consular team in the country will continue to provide assistance to Canadians, remotely, alongside those that are now "temporarily abroad," Joly said.
Non-essential employees have been relocated to the Dominican Republic, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) officials confirmed Thursday during a briefing in Ottawa. This follows other countries that have already moved staff out of Haiti in recent days.
The operational move of Canadian staff took place Thursday morning, using chartered helicopters.
Citing operational security, officials would not confirm the number of evacuated staff, or those who remain. The government also would not speak to whether Canada has increased its security posture at the embassy.
