Canada feared uprising in Haiti

[bcholmes]

MONTREAL—Federal documents show the Canadian government feared Haiti was at risk of a popular uprising following last year’s devastating earthquake.

Documents marked “secret” and obtained by The Canadian Press say the earthquake in January 2010 created a political vacuum that was likely to be exploited.

They also mention rumours that former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was plotting a return from exile in the immediate aftermath of the tremor.

The documents were prepared by officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs and released through access-to-information legislation.

They detail Ottawa’s extensive concerns about the legitimacy of the Haitian government and the scope of the reconstruction efforts.

— "Canada feared popular uprising in Haiti after 2010 earthquake", The Toronto Star

Remember how our first response after the earthquake was to send soldiers?