Port-au-Prince, Monday, May 15, 2006

I am deeply touched by this reception, held in honour of my first visit to Haiti as governor general of Canada.

If only you know how happy—and moved—I am to return to the place of my childhood at this defining moment, when this country takes its first determined steps down the path toward change and hope.

Let me begin by congratulating President Préval on behalf of all Canadians for his decisive victory in the recent elections. I am especially pleased that the Haitian people came out in such great numbers to exercise their right to vote.

Indeed, over 63 percent of citizens went to the polls, one of the highest rates of participation in Haiti’s history, truly the envy of many other countries in the world. This is one sure sign of the democratic health of this country, which bodes well for the future. I would like to extend my best wishes for success to the new government and applaud all of the elected officials with us here this evening.

Beginning today, your mission will be to take Haiti from where it is to where it deserves to be. Far from the crushing misery that has devastated it for so long. Far from the injustices paralyzing its development. The entire world is watching as you take on this responsibility and face this challenge head-on. The entire world wants to see you live the motto that Haiti claimed along with its independence: L’union fait la force. United we stand. In equality and fellowship, without which freedom is not possible. Show the world that it is possible.

Canada will be a leading partner in rebuilding Haiti. We hope to foster harmony in this country, strong governance and economic recovery.

We also want to ensure that help reaches the people of Haiti, particularly in key sectors such as security, health and education, as well as respect for basic rights.

Bolstered by the unwavering friendship that binds them—and is so apparent here this evening—Haiti and Canada will continue to work together, hand in hand, in the interest of the greater good and to build a better future.

After all, we share the same hope: to see Haiti rise up at long last from the misery that has pushed it down for far too long and reclaim its rightful place in the Caribbean.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being here and for your unforgettable welcome. And to all of the fatalists I am bound to meet along the way, I will say that I have faith.