REVOLT: SENDS SOLDIERS Introduction

It should have been a year of great prevented Aristide from running for Focus promise. Haiti started 2004 with cel- consecutive terms so, in 1995, he Labeled a failed ebrations marking its 200th year of supported René Préval’s bid for the state by the inter- national commu- independence. Citizens could revel in presidency. According to many political nity, Haiti once their history with memories of the slave analysts, Préval was Aristide’s puppet. again collapsed rebellion led by Toussaint L’Ouverture. The two pledged to create a harmonious into turmoil with The defeat of Napoleon’s troops on democratic society that fought for the President Jean- Haitian soil ended French colonial rule. rights of Haiti’s poor. Unfortunately, Bertrand Aristide in History was made in 1804 as Haiti little progress was made and, as time exile and an unsta- ble, uncertain, and became the first free black nation in the passed, Aristide’s political opponents unpredictable Western Hemisphere. However, the claimed that he was good at delivering interim govern- celebrations soon gave way to chaos, as speeches but poor at delivering on his ment taking power. rebels marched toward Port-au-Prince promises. With no clear from the north and opposition political alternative political Election Irregularities force ready to take groups mobilized to grab power. charge, Canada, Problems began to surface for Aristide the United States, Understanding Aristide and his loyalists in May 2000. Parlia- France, and Chile To understand the latest crisis in Haiti, mentary elections yielded promising sent in troops to one must come to terms with the con- results for the president’s Lavalas party. keep the peace. troversial nature of President Jean- However, in several multi-candidate Lying in the bal- ance: the hope for Bertrand Aristide. Depending on whom races Lavalas, while winning the most a stable future and you talk to, Aristide is either a hero or a votes, failed to earn a majority of the the survival of villain. After studying theology and votes. The Haitian constitution calls for democracy in Haiti. psychology in from 1982 to new elections to determine a majority 1986, Aristide returned to his homeland winner in each district. Instead of to discover that time for revolution was calling new elections, officials adjusted Definition Liberation theology ripe. A staunch advocate for the poor, the results so that Lavalas, the party refers to a form of Aristide, a former Catholic priest with a with the most votes in the disputed Christianity that foundation in liberation theology, districts, would win the seats (Harper’s stresses freedom empowered the poor and helped topple Magazine, January 2004). International from political, social, the dictatorship of Jean-Claude election observers noted the irregulari- and economic Duvalier, or Baby Doc. Aristide cham- ties, and Lavalas opponents made this oppression, as well as traditional salva- pioned democracy. In 1990, he won 67 breach of the constitution their rallying tion. It has meant per cent of the vote and became the first call against Aristide. By the time he ran that many clerics democratically elected president of for the presidency later in 2000, the have become active Haiti. opposition had alerted the international in politics as well as However, within a year, Aristide was community, drawn attention to in traditional reli- gious issues. removed from power in a military coup Aristide’s ambivalence to the situation, that forced him into exile. Popular and boycotted the election. Without an support for Aristide did not wane. opposition, Aristide was able to win 90 YV Sections Instead support grew and, in 1994, with per cent of the vote in an election marked with this the help of 23 000 U.S. troops, he marked by violence and intimidation. symbol indicate content suitable for returned home. Haiti’s constitution The international community responded younger viewers.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 32 by cutting off $500-million in aid until The Canadian Response Did you know . . . the election controversy was settled. By the time Aristide fled Haiti, Haiti is the poorest Still, Aristide refused to budge. Sud- Canada’s foreign affairs department had nation in the Western hemi- denly impressions of Aristide became set in motion an action plan for dealing sphere? Seventy confused: was he a true champion for with the crisis. First, Canada made a per cent of the the poor or a power-hungry, arrogant military commitment to send stabiliza- population is elected dictator? tion forces to Haiti. An initial group of chronically mal- nine Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) soldiers nourished and the Unrest In 2004 per capita income is were deployed in Port-au-Prince in late $500 a year. This set the stage for the events of early February to protect the Canadian em- 2004. Only the leaders of South Africa bassy and other Canadian interests. This and the Bahamas attended Haiti’s was followed by a 90-day commitment Aristide supporters bicentennial celebration. Thousands of of 450 Canadian personnel on March 5 claim that the people demonstrated during the festivi- to complement an international force flawed election ties on January 1, many for Aristide and composed of U.S., French, and Chilean results involved 10 many against him, highlighting the deep troops. Prime Minister Paul Martin all senate seats and divisions that existed right across the but confirmed that Canadian troops that six of those country. Aristide had many political senators offered to would stay beyond the 90-day period. resign. They also opponents. The strongest was a loose Second, government aid money started point out that René coalition of politicians, students, and flowing into Haiti. By the end of Préval was presi- business people. They soon mobilized March, almost $13-million went into dent at the time— their support. By the middle of the food and water programs, medical not Aristide. month, Aristide agreed to call new Source: Washing- assistance, and support for democratic ton Post, March 5, parliamentary elections, but it appeared institutions (CIDA news release March 2004 to be too late. 18, 2004). United Nations Secretary- The opposition demanded the General Kofi Annan applauded president’s resignation, and armed Canada’s humanitarian role in Haiti (as rebels, capitalizing on the desire for well as in Afghanistan and Bosnia) change brought on by the anti-Aristide while visiting in early March. political movement, began to strike in During a gala dinner hosted by the the north of Haiti. The rebels moved Governor-General, Annan said, “Your swiftly, eventually taking control of ability as to look at the needs Gonaives, Cap-Haitien, and St-Marc by of others, to feel compassion for their late February. Events spiralled out of suffering as part of your own, speaks to control. Aristide pleaded for interna- the best of you as people” (The Globe tional assistance. The Organization of and Mail, March 9, 2004). Annan went American States (OAS) and a coalition on to encourage Canadians to pledge of Caribbean countries called themselves to efforts like the one in CARICOM tried to bring the feuding Haiti in the hopes of bringing peace to sides together. In the end, Aristide the region. Prime Minister Martin agreed to share power with the opposi- responded to the Secretary-General’s tion. The opposition refused, and even- challenge, saying, “We are ready to be tually Aristide was abandoned by there for Haiti’s rebuilding. We don’t Canada, the United States, and France. want to make the same mistake the He resigned and went into exile in the international community made the last Central African Republic. time and leave prematurely” (The Globe

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 33 and Mail, March 6, 2004). Time will rebuilding of their nation or if they will Quote tell if the people of Haiti will emerge continue to struggle for survival in a “Haiti clearly is from this latest crisis with a renewed cycle of perpetual crisis. unable to sort itself out, and the effect commitment to democracy and the of leaving it alone would be contin- To Consider ued or worsening 1. Why should 2004 have been a year of great optimism in Haiti? chaos.” — Kofi Annan, Los Angeles Times, April 2, 2004 2. Why were people hopeful that Aristide would help bring justice and integrity to Haitian politics?

3. What role did election irregularities play in the downfall of Aristide?

4. How did Canada respond to the crisis in Haiti?

5. Is Kofi Annan’s assessment of Canada’s performance on the international stage a fair one?

6. Do you think Canada should be involved in Haiti at this time? Explain fully.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 34 HAITI REVOLT: CANADA SENDS SOLDIERS YV Video Review

1. Why were Canadian troops sent to Haiti? Fill in the blanks following these questions as you view the video. You 2. What was controversial about Arisitide’s departure? may need a few moments after viewing the video to complete this exercise. 3. Describe conditions in Haiti after the president left.

4. Why has Haiti been such a political mess for so long?

5. Who was “Papa Doc”?

6. What does Elizabeth Abbott suggest Haiti needs most?

7. Canada is sending ______troops to Haiti.

8. What is Canada’s military mission in Haiti?

9. How does Canada’s Haitian community view the recent events in Haiti?

10. What do you think will be the likely future of Haiti?

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 35 HAITI REVOLT: CANADA SENDS SOLDIERS Perpetual Crisis

How did Haiti assume the unfortunate ruler followed another. Did you know . . . moniker of failed state? Certainly to be Papa Doc was succeeded by his son Before going into labeled as such is something that no Jean-Claude, or Baby Doc, in 1971. The exile, Aristide was preparing a legal country, particularly one with such an rule of the Duvaliers was characterized claim against inspiring beginning, would want to by unprecedented terror for the people France seeking assume. However, history demonstrates of Haiti. The Duvaliers maintained $21.5-billion in that Haiti has never been able to estab- power through the Tonton Macoute, a restitution for lish a solid footing in the quest for brutal civilian militia gang that secured alleged crimes political and economic stability. the regime through intimidation, tor- committed against during Some historians think that Haiti’s ture, and murder. Even the army feared colonial rule? troubles are rooted in their distant past. the Tonton Macoute, whose death (Washington Post, After Toussaint L’Ouverture led the squads have become macabre legend in November 21, slave rebellion of 1797 and Jacques Haiti. 2003) Desssalines led the Haitian army to One would think that the popular victory over Napoleon’s troops, the uprising that led to the end of the rule of fledgling republic struggled to establish the Duvaliers would have signaled an strength and credibility. Historian end to government support for gangs Elizabeth Abbott puts it this way, “Haiti like the Tonton Macoute. However, the took its own independence after a tradition of civilian militia protection brilliant and complicated military became a fact of life even for Jean- campaign, and so the United States, Bertrand Aristide. One of his first acts which was then a slave nation, punished after his re-election as president in 2000 Haiti by a blockade that lasted for was to dissolve the Haitian military. decades and therein we find the roots of This left him vulnerable to coup at- the economic chaos.”* The blockade tempts by dispossessed members of the was just part of the problem. The army. To maintain his grip on power, he French left the new republic with a debt gave tacit support to a gang of his own: of 90 million francs and demanded that the Chimères, a pro-Aristide group that Haiti pay off the sum or they would routinely resorted to violence to quell reinvade in 1825. This left the Haitian opposition to the president. Elizabeth economy in trouble from the start. Abbott notes, “Haitian presidents are According to professor and author traditionally terrified of their army Robert Fatton Jr., once Haiti earned its because armies coup d’étated them, so independence “it was considered a they establish[ed] parallel civil mili- pariah nation by the Americans and the tias.”* French.” Those hungry for political As the rebels of 2004 made their way power exploited Haiti’s vulnerability, toward Port-au-Prince, it appeared that with over 30 coups taking place be- another coup was inevitable. Aristide tween 1804 and the emergence of the became desperate when it was clear that brutal dictator François Duvalier, or the international community had aban- Papa Doc, in 1957. Scores of people doned him. He turned a blind eye on the died—tens of thousands according to violence of the Chimères. Despite a some estimates—as one oppressive platform for the poor designed to in-

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 36 crease the living standards of the disen- eating the seeds for next year’s crop just Fact franchised, Aristide resorted to the to stay alive. Eating the seeds meant Of 42 Haitian same thuggish tactics as his predeces- that no planting took place and that leaders since inde- pendence in 1804, sors. Whether he was forced to utilize there would be no harvest in 2004 in 29 have been this tactic or not is subject to debate. some parts of Haiti (Washington Post, overthrown or Time will tell if his use of the Chimères February 26, 2004). The people of Haiti assassinated. will be his legacy. continue to suffer 200 years after they Currently, Haiti remains the poorest earned their independence. As Fatton country in the Western hemisphere. The puts it, Haiti suffers from “massive Canada’s position percentage of people who are malnour- deprivation, massive scarcity.”* What regarding develop- ing nations is ished is equal to the number of people is really needed is a government that referred to as the who are unemployed: 70 per cent. The will build national infrastructure like “Montreal Consen- United Nations estimates that a quarter roads, water purification systems, sewer sus.” The consensus of a million Haitians have HIV/AIDS and sanitation systems, and food distri- calls for simultane- and fewer than half the people have bution systems. The choice rests with ous focus on access to clean drinking water. Haiti’s those who hold power. Meanwhile, health, education, and the economy meagre food supply was put in further most of the people of Haiti wait for when giving aid. jeopardy early in the year as food deliverance from poverty. The U.S. model shipments failed to make their way to *Abbott and Fatton quotes taken from (known as the the people who needed them most. In Indepth: Haiti – “The Crisis in Haiti: “Washington desperation, the starving resorted to Roots of Revolution” -– www.cbc.ca. Consensus”) fo- cuses on building the economy of a Inquiry developing nation, 1. Look up the following words in the dictionary: moniker, coup d’état, with social institu- macabre, tacit. tions coming second. (Toronto 2. How did the United States and France respond to Haitian independence? Star, January 13, 2004) 3. How has Haiti suffered from massive political unrest since 1804?

4. What role have civilian militia groups played in helping the rulers of Haiti maintain power?

5. What must happen to help Haiti emerge from the blight of poverty and instability?

6. How optimistic are you for the future of Haiti? Explain.

7. What role might Canada play in the future development of Haiti? Be specific.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 37 HAITI REVOLT: CANADA SENDS SOLDIERS Headlines and Voices

Opposition to Aristide Grows kill the dream of democracy, killing the Sometimes a series “The problem is, President Aristide will people who vote.” — Aristide compar- of quotes can tell a story. Review the promise you God when God is not even ing the rebels to the Tonton Macoute quotes and see if his friend. That is why he is in trouble. death squads in the days of Papa and you can understand He promised too much and has never Baby Doc, Washington Post, February the events leading done what he promised.” — Jean H. 25, 2004 up to and immedi- Laurenceau, an Aristide opponent, ately following the Aristide Appeals For Help departure of Haiti’s Washington Post, February 3, 2004 President Jean- “Should those killers come to Port-au- Bertrand Aristide. Rebels Control Gonaives, St-Marc, Prince, thousands may be killed. We When you have and Grand Goave need the presence of the international viewed the quotes, “It is not a matter of how many there community as soon as possible.” — complete the are, but of how capable they are of Aristide pleading for international activity at the end. fighting. And these groups know ex- assistance as rebel forces advance on actly what they are doing.” — the the capital, Toronto Star, February 26, Did you know . . . commander of the anti-riot police in the 2004 From 1994 to 2001, city of St-Marc (who refused to give his Canada sent 600 name to journalists) referring to the Rebels Gaining Ground RCMP officers to rebel forces operating in the northern “We are not plotting a coup. We’re Haiti to train a part of Haiti, Washington Post, Febru- plotting to liberate the people.” — reliable police ary 12, 2004 Loius-Jodel Chamberlain on accusa- force? However, tions that rebels were plotting a coup. they left before completing the job. Aristide Warns of Coup Plot Chamberlain was prosecuted in absentia “It’s not a democratic opposition, but a for taking part in the massacre of 34 terrorist opposition. We feel bad be- people in a 1987 coup attempt, Toronto cause we need a democratic opposition, Star, February 26, 2004 but these people do not believe in one man, one vote.” — Aristide warns the Leader Threatens President international community of trouble on “I will get him.” — rebel Guy Philippe the horizon, Washington Post, February claiming he will get Aristide, Washing- 13, 2004 ton Post, February 27, 2004

Rebels Capture Cap-Haitien U.S. Pulls Away from Aristide “I think in less than 15 days we will “We urgently call upon President control all of Haiti.” — rebel leader Aristide to issue the necessary instruc- Guy Philippe—self-proclaimed leader tions so his supporters stop the vio- of the disbanded military in Haiti—after lence.” — a statement from the U.S. taking Cap-Haitien, Haiti’s second embassy in Port-au-Prince, Toronto largest city, Washington Post, February Star, February 28, 2004 23, 2004 Canada Pulls Away From Aristide Aristide Grows Concerned “We are frustrated with the violence. “Now they are back with the same We are frustrated with Aristide.” — methods. They prefer to use weapons to Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham at

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 38 a joint news conference with U.S. Martin States Canadian Position Secretary of State Colin Powell refer- “Canada hopes that this step will halt ring to Aristide’s use of violent gangs to any further escalation of violence and maintain his hold on power. — allow for a new stability to emerge for www.cbc.ca the people of Haiti. We urge all parties involved to respect constitutional order Support For Aristide In Port-Au-Prince and the rule of law.” — Prime Minister “If they force Aristide to leave, there Paul Martin announcing military sup- will be bloodshed. The country will port for Haiti, Toronto Star, March 1, never be stable, there will never be 2004 democracy, and peace will never de- velop.” — Rene Civil, an Aristide U.S. Sends Troops supporter in Port-au-Prince, Washing- “I have ordered deployment of marines ton Post, February 29, 2004 as the leading element of an interim international force to help bring order Support for Aristide In Montreal and stability to Haiti.” — U.S. President “This is a coup. . . . President Aristide George W. Bush announcing military has not decided to leave power. It’s a support for Haiti, The Globe and Mail, coup by the international community.” March 1, 2004 — Ferere Coffy at a pro-Aristide march in Montreal, www.canoe.ca, February Canadian Stabilization Force De- 29, 2004 ployed “I think Haiti is going to need a pretty Aristide Resigns robust stabilization force. Canada “If my resignation can prevent blood- [wants to provide] as much help as we shed, I will agree to go.” — Jean- can in a very complicated situation.” — Bertrand Aristide in a written statement Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Bill announcing his departure from Haiti, Graham on Canada’s decision to help The Globe and Mail, March 1, 2004 Haiti by sending a 450-person force to the beleaguered country, The Globe and Chief Justice Becomes Interim President Mail, March 1, 2004 “The task will not be an easy one. Haiti is in crisis . . . It needs all of its sons Aristide Makes U.S. Coup Claim and daughters. No one should take “I was told to avoid bloodshed, I’d justice into their own hands.” — better leave. No one should force an Boniface Alexandre, Supreme Court elected president to move. I called this justice and interim president of Haiti, coup d’état in a modern way . . . mod- Washington Post, March 1, 2004 ern kidnapping.” — Aristide claims that he was forced out of office by the Aristide Explains His Departure United States on CNN, Toronto Star, “Today is a very difficult day. . . . I am March 2, 2004 determined to respect the constitution . . . The constitution should not sink in Coup Claim: “Baseless and Absurd” the blood of the Haitian people.” — “It’s nonsense, and conspiracy theories reading from a statement do nothing to help the Haitian people by Aristide, Washington Post, March 1, move forward to a better, more free, 2004 more prosperous future.” — U.S. chief

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 39 presidential spokesperson Scott Our judgment was we couldn’t do that.” Further Research McClellan echoing Secretary of State — Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Gra- To stay informed Colin Powell’s declaration that ham explaining Canada’s decision not about the views of CARICOM (Carib- Aristide’s coup claims are “baseless and to send in troops to help Aristide main- bean Community), absurd,” www.cbc.ca, March 2, 2004 tain power, Toronto Star, March 4, consider visiting 2004 the official Web Jamaica Calls for an Investigation site at “Despite what we have heard in public A Voice in Exile www.caricom.org. and despite what we have learned in “In overthrowing me, they cut down the private, we simply say that the situation tree of peace, but it will grow again, calls for an investigation of what tran- because its roots are well planted. They spired.” — Jamaican Prime Minister have felled only the trunk of the tree. P.J. Patterson speaking on behalf of a Branches will sprout again, for its roots coalition of Caribbean nations called are numerous and deep.” —Aristide in CARICOM regarding Aristide’s coup exile, The Nation, March 4, 2004 claim, Washington Post, March 4, 2004 Canada in for the Long Term Hindsight: Canada’s Position During “We are ready to be there for Haiti’s the Crisis rebuilding. We don’t want to make the “Once the United States and France same mistake the international commu- said they would not go in as long as nity made the last time and leave pre- Aristide was there, we had to decide [if] maturely.” — Prime Minister Paul we would go in on the invitation of Martin, The Globe and Mail, March 6, Aristide to prop up the Aristide regime. 2004

Activity Materials needed: four different coloured highlight markers or pencil crayons

Review the quotes listed above. Using your markers or pencil crayons, highlight the following perspectives: Colour #1 – The Canadian Perspective Colour #2 – Aristide’s Perspective Colour #3 – The Rebel Perspective Colour #4 – The International Perspective

Discussion Question Which three quotes best describe the political climate in Haiti in early 2004? Support your conclusions with evidence.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 40 HAITI REVOLT: CANADA SENDS SOLDIERS Haitian History Timeline

1492 Christopher Columbus lands in 19, Jean-Claude Duvalier declares what we know as Haiti and calls the himself president-for-life. island Hispaniola, which means Little 1986 A wave of public dissatisfaction Spain. sweeps across Haiti. Baby Doc goes 1496 Spanish settle in Santo Domingo, into exile in France, and a new presi- the capital of today’s Dominican Re- dent is installed. public. 1990 After four years of power politi- 1697 Spain cedes the western part of cal unrest, Jean-Bertrand Aristide is Hispaniola to France. elected president. 1801 Toussaint L’Ouverture leads a 1991 Aristide is ousted in a coup. The slave revolt and takes control of Organization of American States, of Hispaniola. L’Ouverture abolishes which Canada is a member, imposes slavery and declares himself governor- sanctions. This is followed two years general of the island. later by United Nations sanctions after 1802 French attempts to take back the the military government of Haiti refuses island fail. a deal to return Aristide to power. 1804 Haiti becomes an independent 1994 Haiti’s military government state. Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a former surrenders power in the face of an slave, declares himself emperor. invasion by U.S. forces. Over 20 000 U.S. troops land in Haiti in order to 1804-1915 Haiti struggles to establish guarantee a return to democratic gov- itself as a viable independent state. ernment. Aristide returns to Haiti. 1915 Haiti is invaded by the United 1995 René Préval, an Aristide loyalist, States. The U.S. claims that friction is elected president. United Nations between blacks and mulattos threatens peacekeepers begin to replace U.S. U.S. property and investments in the troops. country. 1999 Préval begins to rule by decree 1934 The U.S. withdraws its military when political deadlock brings Haitian but maintains financial control until government effectiveness to a standstill. 1947. 2000 Aristide is elected to a second 1956 François “Papa Doc” Duvalier non-consecutive term as president. He seizes power in a military coup. He is disbands the army. elected president one year later. 2001 Aristide’s government accuses 1964 Duvalier declares himself presi- former army offices of plotting a coup. dent-for-life. His rule is brutal and Two coup attempts confirm Aristide’s undemocratic. concerns. 1971 Duvalier dies and is succeeded 2003 Unrest surfaces in the north of by his son Jean-Claude, who comes to Haiti. be known as “Baby Doc.” At the age of

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 41 2004 Haiti celebrates 200 years of capitol, Aristide submits his letter of independence. Celebrations are marred resignation and flees the country. Chief by violence and clashes between Justice Boniface Alexandre becomes Aristide loyalists and opposition rebel the interim president. International groups. Rebels begin seizing towns in forces arrive to restore order. The future the north and eventually make their way of Haiti is still very much in doubt. south toward the capitol of Port-au- Sources: CBC: www.cbc.ca, BBC News: Prince. Before the rebels reach the www.bbc.co.uk

Activity 1. Review the timeline.

2. Select the five most significant events listed on the timeline.

3. Pinpoint what you consider to be the most defining moment of the five that you selected.

4. In a well-written paragraph, defend your selection of this defining mo- ment in Haiti’s history.

Notes

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 42 HAITI REVOLT: CANADA SENDS SOLDIERS Haiti/Canada Fact Sheet

Facts at a Glance Nation: Republic of Haiti Canada

Capital: Port-au-Prince Ottawa Area (thousands of km2): 28 9 971 Population (millions): 8.3 (2003) 31.6 (2003) Population density (perkm2): 296 (2003) 3 (2003) Urban population (%-2001): 36% 79% Gross national income (GNI) (percapita): US$440 (2002) US$22 300 (2002) GNI purchasing power parity (PPP) (percapita): US$1 580 (2002) US$28 070 (2002) Structure of GDP (%-2001): Agriculture 28% 3% Industry 20% 31% Services 52 % 66% Ecological footprint (area units per person-1999): 0.82 8.84 Human development index (HDI) ranking: 150th of 175 countries (2001) 8th (2001) Gender-related development index (GDI) ranking: 122nd of 144 countries (2001) 6th (2001) Life expectancy at birth: 43 (1960), 49 (2002) 71 (1960), 79 (2002) Mortality rate under 5 years old (per 1,000): 253 (1960), 123 (2002) 33 (1960), 7 (2002) Adult literacy rate (%-2001): Total 51% 99% Men 53% 99% Women 49% 99% Population using improved drinking water sources (%-2000): Total 46% 100% Urban 49% 100% Rural 45% 99%

Sources , UNDP, Human Development Report 2003, UNFPA, The State of World Population 2003, UNICEF, The State of the World’s Children 2004, World Bank, World Development Report 2004, WWF, Living Planet Report 2002

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 43 Definitions • GDP – Gross domestic product – the total value of all goods and services pro- duced within a country during a given year. • GNI – Gross national income (formerly gross national product or GNP) – made up of gross domestic product plus the net income earned from investments abroad. • PPP – Purchasing power parity is the GNI converted into a rate of exchange that allows a standard comparison of price levels between countries. One PPP dollar has the same purchasing power in the domestic economy that the U.S. dollar has in the U.S. economy. • Ecological Footprint – a measure of how much productive land and water an individual, city, country, requires to produce all the resources it consumes and to absorb all the waste it generates. The ecological footprint is measured in “area units,” or units that correspond to one hectare of biologically productive space with world average productivity. • HDI – The human development index measures human development by combin- ing three dimensions of development: longevity (life expectancy at birth), knowl- edge (adult literacy and mean years of schooling), and income. • GDI – The gender-related development index combines the same three dimen- sions of development as the HDI. It also takes into account the sociological inequalities between men and women, such as differences in income and educa- tion. • Population using improved drinking-water sources – the percentage of the population with reasonable access to an adequate amount of drinking water from improved sources. Source: Canadian International Development Agency, www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

Activity 1. Carefully review the chart and the corresponding definitions provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

2. Explain the dramatic difference between Haiti and Canada in terms of the following indicators: GDP GNI Ecological Footprint HDI GDI

3. Respond to the following statement in a carefully drafted paragraph:

Canada is clearly a rich country and Haiti is clearly a poor country. The numbers speak for themselves.

4. Which statistic is the most significant in your opinion? Why?

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 44 HAITI REVOLT: CANADA SENDS SOLDIERS YV Final Activity

What are we doing about it? Did you know . . . Of about 150 000 The Canadian Government Haitian-Canadians, about 120 000 live When the government announces that they are pledging aid to countries in in Montreal? need, often that money is funneled through international aid agencies. In the case of Haiti, money is given to agencies like the United Nations World Food Program and the International Red Cross to guarantee that resources get to the Quote people who need them most. The office of the Canadian government that “We intend to handles the transfer of money to needy countries is the Canadian International participate, and Development Agency (CIDA). Since 1968, Canada has given $611-million to help play a role that is the people of Haiti. more than our share . . .” Prime Activity 1 Minster Paul Mar- Check out what Canada and the world are doing for Haiti. Go to the Web sites tin, speaking in listed below. Make point-form notes on the activities of these organizations in French at the Haiti. United Nations, Toronto Star, Canadian International Development Agency – www.acdi-cida.gc.ca – follow March 2, 2004 the links to Haiti The United Nations World Food Program – www.wfp.org – follow the links to information on Haiti The Red Cross – The International Committee of the Red Cross – www.icrc.org – search word Haiti Activity 2: Canada’s Churches Often religious groups raise money and acquire resources to help those in need. They do this based on the spiritual principle of justice for all people regardless of race or creed.

Check out what these organizations are doing for Haiti. Go to the Web sites listed below and use the search word Haiti. Make point-form notes on the activities of these organizations in Haiti.

World Vision Canada – www.worldvision.ca Development and Peace – www.devp.org Christian Children’s Fund – www.christianchildrensfund.org Activity 3 Based on your research notes, what can you do to help the people of Haiti? Write a 10-15-sentence paper outlining what you would be prepared to do to alleviate the suffering in Haiti. Be sure to develop and explain your ideas.

CBC News in Review • April 2004 • Page 45