Canada Deploys RCAF CP-140 Aurora To Haiti

Canada deploys a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft to support Haiti and the Haitian National Police.

Press Release, Ottawa, 05 February 2023: Today, the Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, announced that Canada has deployed a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft to support Canada’s efforts to disrupt the activities of gangs in Haiti and demonstrate Canada’s commitment to the Haitian people. Canada is undertaking efforts to address the dire security situation in the country and supports the Haitian National Police. Canada is providing this assistance in response to Haiti’s request for support as violence continues to escalate in the country.

This Canadian patrol aircraft will provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability to bolster efforts to establish and maintain peace and security for the people of Haiti. The CP-140 aircraft has already deployed to the region and is currently operating over Haiti. It will remain in the region for a number of days.

Canada supports the people of Haiti as they strive for a peaceful and prosperous future. Canada has been supportive of diplomatic efforts toward an inclusive political dialogue that will lead to fair and free elections; provided more than $98 million in international assistance to respond to the urgent and basic needs of the population; imposed sanctions on those responsible for the ongoing violence, including Haitian elites who are enabling the gangs; and provided support to the Haitian National Police.

In October 2022 and January 2023, the RCAF airlifted Haitian-purchased armoured vehicles to the Director General of the Haitian National Police in response to requests from the Haitian government. Canada will continue to support the people of Haiti and explore ways to help the Haitian people emerge from this crisis.

“Canada is committed to supporting the people of Haiti, as well as peace and security in the country. The deployment of a Canadian patrol aircraft will strengthen efforts to fight criminal acts of violence and to establish the conditions necessary for a peaceful and prosperous future. I thank all members of the Canadian Armed Forces involved in this mission for their service and dedication to global stability.” The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence.

“In recent weeks, the violence in Haiti has escalated as the gangs continue to terrorise vulnerable populations with impunity. The international community has a role to play in responding to the current humanitarian and security crisis and Canada is committed to playing a leadership role. We will continue to support Haitian-led efforts to restore security and build a safer and brighter future for its people.” The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Quick Facts:-

• The CP-140 Aurora is a long-range patrol aircraft used for multiple types of missions over land and water.
• The Aurora can fulfil a wide variety of roles, including operations management, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, strike coordination, and search and rescue. It can also assist other government agencies to combat, illegal fishing, pollution, drug trafficking, and more.
• This deployment is one of many ways that Canada is acting to support the people of Haiti.
• In December 2022, Canada conducted a diplomatic mission in Haiti to encourage greater unity among key stakeholders toward a political path and process for democratic elections.
• Since November 2022, under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations, Canada has imposed sanctions in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.
• On November 10, 2022, Canada implemented United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution 2653 into Canadian law under the United Nations Act in response to the egregious conduct of armed criminal gangs in Haiti. The sanctions imposed a dealings prohibition against a Haitian gang leader.
• In October 2022, a Canadian government delegation carried out consultations in Haiti with regional partners, the United Nations, CARICOM, and other partners.
• In partnership with U.S. armed forces, Canada airlifted a commercial delivery of armoured vehicles to Haiti on October 15, 2022. Canada airlifted a second commercial delivery of armoured vehicles to Haiti on January 11, 2023.
• On September 21, 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau announced Canada’s contribution of $20 million to aid reconstruction in Haiti following the 2021 earthquake.