"The past year has been one of the most difficult and turbulent for our dear Haiti and for our planet. We hope we were able to get the best out of it. Above all, we live with hope and we work hard for a brighter tomorrow.

The year 2024 marks the 220th anniversary of Haiti's independence. January 1st of each year reminds us of this extraordinary turning point in our life as a free people. This heritage that we cherish with haughty heads, may it rekindle the flames of a prosperous future for all the daughters and sons of our motherland!

This year we are also commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between Haiti and Canada. There is no doubt that Canada remains one of Haiti's most important partners on the international scene. We hope to be able, in the years to come, to count on this partnership for the promotion of investments and job creation in Haiti. Once the security and political crisis is behind us, we will need concrete actions to put Haitians back to work and launch Haiti on the path to development.

The challenges that await us in 2024 are enormous. To face it, the support of your Haitian diaspora, the government and friends of Haiti in Canada will be essential.

On this New Year's Day, I wish for a prosperous year for Haiti, for Canada and for the world.

Dr. Wolbert Arthus

Ambassador of Haiti to Canada"

IH/ iciHaiti