Faced with the situation of violence and daily riots since February 7 in Haiti, Canada has decided to close Wednesday its Embassy in Port-au-Prince, saying that the situation will be evaluated in the coming days to ensure the safety staff and of their families. Ottawa states that consular services are always provided by phone or email, 24 hours a day, and is prepared to provide any assistance required by its nationals (1-613-996-8885). Global Affairs Canada has amended its NOTICE regarding travel to Haiti, advising travelers to avoid non-essential stays in this country.

In addition, the Mayor of Montreal Valérie Plante announced Thursday morning the decision to repatriate staff who were in Haiti to assist the authorities of Port-au-Prince as part of a training program on the collection of property taxes. However, a contingent of police officers from the Montreal Police Service will remain in Haiti.

This unstable and dangerous situation in Haiti did not prevent Canada from expelling a father and his 11-year-old daughter to Port-au-Prince on Wednesday, while the Haitian capital was the object of violent demonstrations. A decision by the Canadian Government described as inhumane by various defense organizations.

Let's remember that Émanes Desjardins and his daughter, who were to be deported on Sunday, February 10, in Haiti, did not show up because of the alarming and dangerous situation in Haiti. They were arrested Tuesday by the Border Services Agency before being expelled Wednesday for Port-au-Prince.

When asked about this deportation, the Immigration Minister's office responded that he could not comment on specific cases adding, "We treat these issues very seriously and the decision to remove someone from Canada is not taken lightly. Everyone threatened with deportation is entitled to a well-established procedure, which includes different levels of appeal..."

HL/ HaitiLibre