On Thursday, January 1st, 2026, the Haitian flag once again flew proudly from the flagpole of Ottawa City Hall (Canada) to celebrate the 222nd anniversary of Haiti's Independence...

Anthony Dessources, Haiti's Ambassador to Canada, accompanied by his wife and family members, Embassy staff, fellow Haitians from the community, and friends of Haiti, raised the Haitian flag at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the West Wing on Laurier Street. Following the iconic rallying cry of the Haitian National anthem, played by strobe player and Vodou priest Jacques René, the ceremony began with the first verse of the national anthem.

Ambassador Dessources then delivered a speech at the entrance to Ottawa City Hall. In his remarks, the Ambassador strongly emphasized that, despite current challenges, the spirit of the Haitian people remains unshaken, stressing that "Haiti’s history teaches us that current trials cannot erase the essence of a people forged in resistance, resilience, and hope."

Afterward, the participants gathered in a warm atmosphere at the parish hall of Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa to share the traditional pumpkin soup, a powerful symbol of Independence.

The Embassy of Haiti thanks Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for once again allowing the Haitian flag to be proudly displayed at City Hall and extends its best wishes to everyone for the New Year 2026.

IH/ iciHaiti