In light of the ongoing Haiti crisis, the Canadian government recently announced that it will provide 5.7 million in funding to support the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. This is an addition to the 80.5 million already given by Canada in February to the MSS. In March 2023, Canada also put forth 100 million to help finance the strengthening of the Haitian National Police (HNP). Despite the substantial funding provided to Haiti, there is still the question as to whether Canada should be playing a greater role in aiding with the Haiti crisis? When examining this question, it is apparent that Canada ought to take into consideration their international reputation as well as the needs of Canadians.
Haiti is in dire need of assistance as the humanitarian crisis continues to become more severe. The crisis stems from Haitian gang leaders rising up with an attempt to bring down authorities. With gangs united and orchestrating attacks against the state, food, water, fuel and medical cares are in short stock. Additionally, there are ongoing human right violations with citizens being killed, kidnapped and sexual violence being utilized as a form of torture. Following the resignation of Prime minister Henry a seven-member transitional council has been established, but with the threat of Haitian gangs it is unclear if the council will be able to recoup control.
It is apparent that when determining whether or not to take a pivotal role in the Haitian crisis Canada must take into consideration their international reputation. The United States has vocalized to other leaders about Canada taking the lead on the international stabilization of Haiti. If Canada does not rise to the occasion, it could be another circumstance which adds to United States frustration. Recent instances such as, Canada declaring that it had no intention of hitting the NATO commitment to spend two per cent of GDP has left the United States displeased at their Canadian allies for not pulling their weight. Thus, if Canada does not hold somewhat of a leadership role in addressing the Haitian crisis it could negatively impact our partnership with the United States and perpetrate the reputation of Canada being a freeloader.
The Canadian government must also reflect on the backlash they could potentially receive from citizens if they decide to spear head the mission to stabilize Haiti. Given the current economic struggles in Canada focusing too much on international aid would likely be met with backlash from Canadians. Stats Canada relayed that nearly half of Canadian report that rising prices are greatly impacting their ability to meet day-to-day expenses. It is evident that if Canada begins to send an influx of supplies and armed forced to Haiti it will be met with criticism from Canadians. Citizens may question why resources and funding are not being targeted towards struggling individuals at home.
Overall, the question of whether Canada should be playing a greater role in aiding with the Haiti crisis is not straight forward. It is complex and one where the Canadian government must straddle the line between maintaining a strong international front while also prioritizing and not neglecting the needs of Canadians at home.
References:
Canada, G. A. (2024, June 26). Canada announces an additional $5.7 million in funding to support the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Canada.ca.
Dyer, E. (2023, March 15). Haiti’s sudden turn for the worse puts Trudeau on the spot | CBC news. CBCnews
Government of Canada, S. C. (2024, August 15). Nearly half of Canadians report that rising prices are greatly impacting their ability to meet day-to-day expenses.
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Panetta, A. (2023, July 27). NORAD’s likely new commander commits to “tough conversations” with Canada on Defence spending | CBC News. CBCnews.
Robles, F., Adams, D. C., & Paultre, A. (2024, March 9). With Haiti in chaos, a humanitarian crisis is rapidly unfolding. The New York Times.
Erica Glass is a student at Queen's University and an Outreach Director for WIIS-Queen's. The opinions of this blog post are reflective of the author and are separate from the organization, Women in International Security Queen's Unviersity (WIIS-Queen's).
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