Governor General Meets with the President of the Dominican Republic

The meeting, held at the Presidential Palace, focused on the relationship between Canada and the Dominican Republic, as well as on the efforts Dominicans have made since the earthquake in Haiti.

In addition to acknowledging the importance of Canadian-Dominican relations, the Governor General thanked the people of the Dominican Republic for their solidarity and the concrete efforts they have made to help the people of Haiti, whose lives were torn apart by the earthquake.

"Canada is delighted to see how eagerly the government and people of the Dominican Republic have shown their support to their neighbour Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas. We would also like to thank the Dominican Republic for all the support and assistance provided to the Canadian relief effort. This close collaboration is proof of the solid ties that exist between our two countries," Her Excellency Michaelle Jean said.

Their Excellencies also visited the Life and Hope Children's Home orphanage, which opened its doors and provided medical services to a number of Haitian children after the disaster. During this visit, Their Excellencies thanked the orphanage staff for their remarkable work. They also thanked representatives from UNICEF and the National Children's Council who are working to provide safe refuge for unaccompanied Haitian children in the Dominican Republic. Students and professors also presented Their Excellencies with a new social services program developed in collaboration with Ryerson University in Toronto.

For more information on the visit to the Dominican Republic (March 10, 2010) please visit www.gg.ca.

mblouin@gg.ca