The Quebec Association of international cooperation agencies (AQOCI) wishes to express its disagreement with the decision of the Canadian Minister of International Cooperation, Mr. Julian Fantino, to freeze funds for new projects for Haiti. Indeed, this decision may greatly affect Haitian civil society and consequently, the people of Haiti in its development and reconstruction of the country. Also, many local initiatives led by Haitian organizations funded by CIDA and NGOs supported by Quebec and Canada will be greatly weakened by the freezing of funds.

In the current context, it is unacceptable on the part of Minister Fantino to hold the following words : "Are we continue to take care of their problems forever ? They must take charge of themselves". AQOCI firmly believes that the Haitian people puts hands on for a very long time and it is useless to blame a people who is overtaken by the events, after have suffered its share of natural disasters and social and political instabilities in recent years.

After all, international cooperation begins with solidarity among nations, it seems that Canada has set aside the concept of development aid in favor of the promotion of Canadian economic interests. In fact, the Canadian international cooperation undergoes a sudden ideological shift. Since coming to power, the Harper government has accustomed us to drastic changes in its relations with the wider civil society - including the international cooperation agencies in Canada and their partners in the South - and favors more and more the partnerships with Canadian mining companies and private companies.

According to Denis Labelle, President AQOCI, "the decision of the Minister Fantino is all the more incomprehensible it comes at a key moment in the reconstruction of Haiti. It is time for solidarity and mutual assistance, rather than blame, prejudice and paternalism. We must continue our efforts jointly with the Haitian people, to enable the development of a population that suffered for too long."

AQOCI brings together 65 Quebec organizations for international cooperation, including nearly 50% of members have links with Haitian partners, whether organizations or local populations.

HL/ HaitiLibre