MONTREAL - January 25, 2010 —
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today
rallied the international community to a
strategic and coordinated effort to
rebuild Haiti. The Prime Minister’s
call came during an address to delegates
of the Ministerial Preparatory
Conference on Haiti.
“The generosity seen over the past two
weeks is a testament to the kindness and
compassion that unites humanity in the
face of catastrophe,” said Prime
Minister Harper. “Thanks to decisive
international action, medical and
humanitarian support is pouring into the
country and saving lives.”
“As we continue to focus on fast and
effective humanitarian assistance, we
must, at the same time, begin to look to
the longer-term challenge of
reconstruction,” said the Prime
Minister. “The international community
must be prepared for a sustained,
significant effort in Haiti, working
closely with the leadership of the
Government of Haiti.”
Prime Minister Harper outlined
principles to guide the work of Haiti
reconstruction:
• Sustainability – the world must commit to Haiti for
the long term
• Effectiveness – Resources must be directed to where
they are most needed to help the people
of Haiti.
• Accountability – the commitments we make must be firm
and lasting and ensure that tax dollars
are used effectively, as Canadian
taxpayers expect.
“It is Canada’s hope that this meeting
will set the stage for broad
international action on reconstruction
that will mobilize the will and
resources of all of Haiti’s partners,”
said the Prime Minister.
Related:
Statement by the Prime Minister on the
disaster in Haiti
