Trudeau pledges $16.5 million in aid to Haiti, justice as Francophone summit closes

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has announced $16.5 million to help stabilize Haiti.

At a summit of French-speaking countries in Tunisia, Trudeau announced $8 million for humanitarian aid provided by the United Nations.

It also provides funds to eradicate corruption and prosecute gender-based violence.

The Haitian government has called for an international military intervention to combat gangs that have strangled access to fuel and vital supplies as the cholera epidemic worsens.

The United States says Canada would be the ideal leader for such a military intervention, but Ottawa has suggested other ways to help Haiti.

Trudeau’s announcement comes as the Francophonie Summit in Tunisia draws to a close and is expected to return to Ottawa on Monday morning.