OTTAWA, Canada (CMC) — Canada says for its support to Haiti to be effective it must be “well coordinated and integrated”, as it announced a further CAD$13 million to United Nations security and anti-corruption projects in the French-speaking, Caribbean Community country.

“For Canada’s support to Haiti to be effective it must be well-coordinated and integrated. The Haitian people deserve no less — that’s why we held a ministerial meeting on Haiti and announced the Canada-led joint security coordination cell,” said Foreign Minister Melanie Joly.

“This cell will enhance international efforts in security assistance, working closely with the Haitian National Police and the United Nations to foster a sustainable environment for long-term peace and security in Haiti,” she said.

She said Canada is providing CAD$13 million in aid for Haiti through the UN Development Programme and the UN Drugs and Crimes Office, helping to address both immediate and long term concerns.

“Canada has been a longtime partner and ally of Haiti and we will continue to work with the international community to advance a Haitian-led solution to the crisis,”Joly said as she also announced sanctions against Gracia Delva, a prominent singer and former senator, and Prophane Victor, a former deputy, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada.

They joined a host of other prominent politicians, including former President Michel Martelly, and the former President of the Chamber of Deputies Gary Bodeau.