Canadian International Development Agency - CIDA

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI--(CCNMatthews - Feb. 23, 2007) - In her first official visit to Haiti, the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister for La Francophonie and Official Languages, announced that Canada is pledging $25 million for new development projects.

"By making this contribution to priority sectors identified by the Haitian government, Canada's new governement is seeking to improve living conditions in the poorest communities, both urban and rural, in order to promote job creation, education and nutrition for children," said Minister Verner.

The funds will be divided between two key areas:

- $19.8 million for the Basic Economic Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project in Haiti;

- $5 million for the World Food Programme (WFP) School Canteen Program.

"We are very pleased with the Government of Canada's support. It shows a strong commitment to support the Haitian government's short-term efforts to respond to various social demands, to improve the situation of very poor people, and to help establish a stronger infrastructure," said Haitian Minister of Planning and External Cooperation Jean Max Bellerive, following the announcement that additional funds would be allocated to programming by the Government of Haiti.

The financing announced today is part of the $520 million commitment Canada made at the international conference in Port-au-Prince last July in support of the Haitian government's efforts to lead Haiti's development.

For further information about CIDA's programs, please see the Agency web site at www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.

BACKGROUNDER

NEW CANADIAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN HAITI

Basic Economic Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project: $19,800,000

Duration: 2006-2008

Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will give the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) a grant of $19.5 M to augment the Basic Economic Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project and allow for 8 to 15 additional projects, primarily in area of roads. The IDB program finances infrastructure rehabilitation that has a direct impact on local economic activities such as roads, bridges, ports, potable water services, waste management, public lighting and public markets. By stimulating local economic activity, job creation and access to basic public services, the program will directly improve the quality of life for men and women living in the target regions. It also supports social appeasement in Haiti.

Canada is also planning a $300,000 envelope for follow-up and communication activities to allow the Haitian government to publicize its achievements and show the Haitian people that it is taking concrete action to improve their lives in both urban and rural areas.

The Canadian contribution will allow the IDB to develop an action plan to support equality between women and men in implementing the Basic Economic Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project.

World Food Programme (WFP) School Canteen Program: $5, 000, 000

Duration: September 2006 to December 2007

The WFP School Canteen Program provides a daily meal to 300,000 Haitian children attending 700 primary schools in Artibonite, and in northern, northwestern and western (Port-au-Prince) departments. These meals have proven to have a positive effect on school attendance.

The WFP program will add variety to the diet of the children attending these primary schools by providing hot meals at school canteens. Satisfying short-term hunger and supplying snacks when the children arrive at school will improve their ability to learn. The program will also support two annual sessions of an anti-parasite campaign.

The school canteen program encourages parents to participate in the management of the canteens, thereby increasing their participation in school life. It also provides training to help identify reliable partners, and to organize, manage and deliver anti-parasite campaigns in the schools with follow-up and evaluation.