Canada pledges $60M to support Haiti’s security and regional efforts against crime

PORT-AU-PRINCE — The government led by Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney has pledged $60 million Canadian— about US$44 million — to strengthen security in Haiti and the Caribbean, including CA$40 million for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) or a successor force if approved by the United Nations Security Council.

The remaining CA$20 million will support a regional maritime security initiative to combat organized crime and the flow of illicit goods to and from Haiti. The announcement came after a meeting during the United Nations’ 80th General Assembly sessions in New York, coinciding with the president of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), Laurent Saint-Cyr, pushing for urgent international intervention in helping combat gangs.

“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to pursuing multilateral solutions that enhance regional security and promote stability, peace, and prosperity in Haiti,” Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said.

Canada is the first country to pledge funding for the new force—the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) —proposed by the United States. If the Security Council does not adopt the resolution, the funds will bolster the MSS, whose mandate expires Oct. 2.

Ottawa has been the largest contributor to the UN trust fund supporting the Kenya-led MSS, giving more than $60 million. The U.S. has provided $15 million, though most of that is suspended, while Mexico is expected to join the list of contributors soon.

Despite these donations, the MSS is struggling. With an annual budget projected at $600 million, it currently operates at 40% capacity. The mission has about 1,000 personnel, less than half of its 2,500 target, and lacks equipment suited to confront gangs. Since deploying in June 2024, it has not helped Haitian forces reclaim territory or arrest gang leaders as expected.

Push for a new force as crisis escalates on the ground

In response to the MSS shortcomings, the U.S. is considering deploying a larger UN-backed force of 5,500 personnel with a broader framework and authorized mandate. While salaries would still rely on voluntary contributions, the UN would provide logistical support, weapons and operational assistance.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau urged swift action, warning that the Security Council’s delay risks further destabilizing Haiti.

“The time for action is now, and the United States urges all our partners to join us in advocating for this crucial resolution before the MSS mandate expires on Oct. 2,” Landau said.

Kenyan President William Ruto cautioned that without clear mandates and guaranteed funding, a new mission could face the same failures. “If we send a new mission there, its mandate must be clear and its funding guaranteed. This is a sine qua non if we want to take the Haitian crisis seriously,” he said.

Meanwhile, gangs continue to expand their grip, controlling about 90% of Port-au-Prince and pushing into provincial towns. Thousands of residents have been displaced.

Haiti’s police, overwhelmed by the crisis, have also been accused of civilian casualties. A drone strike last weekend in Simon Pelé, Cité Soleil, targeting a gang leader killed at least 15 people, including eight children, according to local reports.

CPT’s leader Saint-Cyr, lobbying at the UN for stronger intervention, met with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney in New York. Haitian officials said discussions focused on restoring security to allow elections.

Canada reaffirmed support for the Haitian National Police (PNH), the judiciary and broader international coordination to establish a “robust force” capable of dismantling gangs and restoring constitutional order.

While the UN Security Council weighs the GSF resolution proposed jointly by the U.S. and Panama, conditions on the ground remain unchanged. 

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