Canada has finished its evacuation efforts in Haiti, with a third and final flight set to depart from the Caribbean country on Sunday. Global Affairs Canada has assisted over 250 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their close relatives in leaving the country. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has been closely monitoring the demand for help leaving the country and has determined that no more flights will be necessary. The deteriorating situation in Haiti, characterized by gang violence and a shortage of food and medicines, has prompted the need for evacuation.
In response to the escalating crisis in Haiti, Canada announced plans to use helicopters to transport Canadians from the capital of Port-au-Prince to an undisclosed location, and then bring them to Montreal using chartered flights. The first flight departed on Wednesday, followed by another on Friday, with the last scheduled for Sunday. Prior to this, Canada was airlifting citizens by helicopter to the Dominican Republic, but only those with Canadian passports were allowed to enter, excluding permanent residents from the evacuation efforts. Moving forward, Sunday will mark the conclusion of Canada’s campaign to airlift Canadians from Haiti.
Those who are brought to Montreal are required to pay the equivalent of a commercial fare for their evacuation. Canadians who were evacuated to the Dominican Republic were responsible for their own accommodation and flights home, with Global Affairs Canada offering assistance if needed. The Canadian government has urged all Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Haiti who wish to leave to immediately contact Global Affairs Canada to facilitate their departure. The evacuation efforts have been a response to the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Haiti.
The evacuation efforts in Haiti come in light of the country’s escalating gang violence, food and medicine shortages, and overall unstable conditions. The decision to use helicopters and chartered flights for the evacuation was made in response to the urgent need to get Canadians and their families out of the country safely. The Canadian government has been closely monitoring the situation and has acted swiftly to provide assistance to those in need of evacuation. The evacuation efforts have been coordinated with the Canadian embassy in Haiti and various stakeholders to ensure the safe and efficient departure of Canadian citizens and residents.
As the final flight prepares to depart from Haiti, the evacuation efforts will come to an end, with over 250 individuals assisted in leaving the country. The Canadian government’s response to the crisis in Haiti has showcased its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens and permanent residents abroad. Moving forward, Canada will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti and provide support and assistance to those affected by the ongoing challenges facing the country. The evacuation efforts highlight the importance of diplomatic and humanitarian action in times of crisis to ensure the safety and security of Canadian citizens around the world.
