A Canadian diplomat and an RCMP officer expressed gratitude towards a sanctioned Haitian businessman, Reynold Deeb, for allowing a helicopter airlift of Canadian citizens and police at his luxury golf course in Haiti. Emails provided by Deeb’s lawyers suggest that Consul Catherine Brazeau thanked Deeb in French for his exceptional assistance and provided him with trip plans and passenger lists for the flights. The emails also show the RCMP liaison officer praising Deeb for his cooperation despite facing challenges during the flights.
Lawyers for Deeb are planning to use the emails as evidence in a Federal Court challenge against his inclusion on Canada’s sanctions list. Deeb, who is an executive at a dominant Haitian import firm, questions why the Canadian government requested his assistance while also maintaining sanctions against him. The emails show that Canadian officials were thankful and complimentary towards Deeb for allowing the use of his property, which goes against sanctions laws. Global Affairs did not immediately respond to inquiries about the emails.
Deeb disputes his inclusion on Canada’s sanctions list, stating that those who are sanctioned face severe reputational damage, travel restrictions, and are denied financial services and job opportunities. While he has not been sanctioned by the United States, the European Union, or the United Kingdom, Canada imposed sanctions on him due to his alleged ties to armed criminal gangs in Haiti. Deeb denies being associated with gangs and claims that the sanctions are erroneous. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced the sanctions on Deeb and others to pressure individuals responsible for supporting criminal gangs in Haiti.
According to emails, the Canadian Embassy requested Deeb’s organization, The Petion Ville Club S.A., to facilitate the evacuation of Canadian citizens in Haiti via helicopter flights. Deeb agreed to collaborate with the embassy and organize the necessary arrangements for the successful execution of the evacuation operation. The emails also show correspondence between Deeb and an RCMP liaison officer regarding flights carrying members of the Haitian National Police using the golf course. Deeb allowed the flights to occur and expressed his willingness to assist with any future requests.
The Canadian government helped close to 700 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their relatives leave Haiti with the assistance of Deeb and his golf course. In emails exchanged in April, Deeb informed the Canadian Embassy of the completion of the helicopter operations and expressed readiness to resume flights if needed. The embassy thanked Deeb for his exceptional support, indicating uncertainty about future developments. The emails also show communication between Deeb and the RCMP liaison officer regarding the transport of Haitian National Police members for training at the golf course, with both parties expressing gratitude towards each other for their cooperation. The officer declined to comment on the emails.
