Thursday in Montreal, "The Coalition for Haiti (CPH)" has unveiled the results of a new research on Canadian aid to Haiti, where it denounces the lack of transparency of Canada and calls into question the development model that it imposes. This research was conducted by Paul Cliche, associate researcher at the Transnational Studies Network of Dynamics and Collective Action (REDTAC) from the University of Montreal.

Four years after the earthquake of 12 January 2010, and although there is some progress in reconstruction, the situation remains critical. The relocation of the population affected by the earthquake, the cholera epidemic and the control of process of emergency and reconstruction aid are, notably, as many issues that give rise to deep concern.

This research emphasizes "the lack of information and details regarding the amounts disbursed by the Government of Canada. For example, it is impossible to know who were awarded more than 2/3 of the funding of reconstruction aid, an amount equivalent to nearly $CAD 554.8 million."

Another point "the problem of relocation of the affected population, a central issue of the reconstruction, which is far from being solved. According to UN data, published Sept. 30, 2013, 171 974 people are still on 306 temporary sites. The goals of reconstruction have been achieved in a proportion of 13%. The two preferred strategies were building temporary shelters and subsidies to rent rather than repair or the reconstruction of permanent housing."

Otherwise "Concertation pour Haiti" notes that "it clearly appear that the government direction is to subordinate international development and poverty reduction in Canada's commercial interests. The Canadian government focuses its assistance towards the development of mining and free zones. However, the research of Mr. Cliche demonstrates the adverse effects of such a development model. For example, in the free zone of Caracol Industrial Park in the north-east of the country, none of the companies comply with the minimum wage, they do not provide adequate facilities (toilets, space for dining, etc...) for workers, and 91% of these companies do not offer acceptable conditions of safety.

There is also a place to ask serious questions by seeing how the Haitian institutions, whether public or civil society are not very present in the process of humanitarian aid and reconstruction. This process is largely under foreign control, Haitian actors have virtually been eliminated. Without these local actors, how can we expect a sustainable development ?"

Following this work, the CPH requesting a meeting with Canadian policy makers to redefine the direction of Canadian aid and find sustainable solutions that promote real social and economic rebuilding of Haiti.

HL/ HaitLibre