Public Safety Minister Anita Anand announced a $35-million investment on June 23, 2026, to strengthen security across the Caribbean and address the worsening gang crisis in Haiti. The funding aims to support regional efforts to combat organized crime, improve police capacity, and stabilize Haiti, where armed gangs have seized control of large parts of the capital Port-au-Prince.
Funding details and regional context
The $35-million package will be distributed over five years, with a focus on training police, enhancing border security, and providing equipment to Caribbean nations. A significant portion is earmarked for Haiti, where gang violence has displaced thousands and crippled the economy. The announcement came during a virtual meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, where Anand emphasized Canada's commitment to regional stability.
“Canada stands with the Caribbean in facing these shared security challenges,” Anand said. “This funding will help build local capacity to fight gangs and restore order in Haiti, where the situation remains critical.”
Impact on Haiti's gang crisis
Haiti has been engulfed in a wave of gang violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Gangs now control an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince, leading to widespread hunger, kidnappings, and a collapse of public services. The Canadian funding will support the Haitian National Police, which has struggled to contain the violence with limited resources. According to the United Nations, over 5,000 people were killed in gang-related incidents in Haiti in 2025 alone.
“The situation in Haiti is a humanitarian catastrophe,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, in a recent briefing. “International support is essential to prevent further deterioration.”
Reactions and next steps
Caribbean leaders welcomed the announcement, with Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Keith Rowley calling it “a timely boost” for regional security. However, some experts argue that more is needed. “$35 million is a start, but Haiti requires a comprehensive international intervention,” said Dr. Marie-Josée Dubois, a Caribbean security analyst at the University of the West Indies. “The gangs are well-armed and deeply entrenched.”
The funding will be administered through the Caribbean Development Bank and bilateral agreements with participating nations. Canada has also pledged to deploy additional personnel to assist with training and intelligence-sharing. The announcement comes amid growing calls for a UN-authorized peacekeeping mission to Haiti, which the Canadian government has so far declined to lead.
