On the occasion of the inauguration and swearing-in of new President of Haiti, Michel Martelly, Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada sent his congratulations to the President and to the Haitian people.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to offer my sincere congratulations to Michel Martelly on his inauguration as President of Haiti.

"The people of Haiti have shown patience and resolve in expressing their will and demonstrating their commitment to democracy and the electoral process. This transition marks an important step on the road to recovery from the January 2010 earthquake and a milestone towards long-term stability and development.

"Canada shares deep and long-standing ties with Haiti, and more than 100,000 Canadians have roots in the Caribbean nation. We will continue to stand alongside Haiti as it rebuilds its communities and strengthens the rule-of-law.

"I look forward to working with President Martelly as he rises to meet the challenges ahead of him."

HL/ HaitiLibre