Canada reduces diplomatic footprint in Haiti to essential employees due to 'volatile situation'
CTV
The Canadian government is reducing its diplomatic footprint in Haiti to 'essential employees,' at the embassy in Port-au-Prince.
The Canadian government is reducing its diplomatic footprint in Haiti to "essential employees," at the embassy in Port-au-Prince.
"This will allow us to maintain our presence in Haiti to support Canadians during this volatile situation, given limited availability of supplies," Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced Thursday.
"Our ambassador and a consular team will continue providing assistance to Canadians from Port-au-Prince, alongside their colleagues temporarily abroad. They can be reached through our Emergency Response Center."
Non-essential employees are relocating to an unnamed third country. This follows other countries that have already moved staff out of Haiti in recent days.
Joly said Canada remains committed to supporting the Haitian people in the long-term, but the immediate priority is the safety and security of Canadians.
"This intervention will help ensure it," she said.
As of Thursday, the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince remains temporarily closed to the public "due to the unpredictable security situation," with consular services being provided remotely.
