President of Haiti to visit Canada

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Mr. René Préval, President of Haiti, will pay an official visit to Canada from March 22 to 24, 1996.

"Canada strongly supports Haiti's efforts to establish a tradition of democracy. This visit by Mr. Préval shows the close official and personal relationship between our two countries," said Mr. Chrétien.

Mr. Préval will visit Ottawa and Montreal. In Ottawa, he will meet with Prime Minister Chrétien and with Foreign Affairs Minister Axworthy to discuss several issues of mutual concern including Canada's principal role in the United Nations Mission in Haiti.

In Montreal, Mr. Préval will be hosted by the Minister for International Cooperation and Minister responsible for Francophonie, Mr. Pierre S. Pettigrew. Mr. Préval will meet with members of the business community and with provincial government representatives. He will also be meeting with the Haitian community of Montreal.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555