Canadian police in Haiti receive UN peacekeeping medal at first ceremony since earthquake

THURSDAY, April 1, Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A group of 38 Canadian police officers in Haiti received their peacekeeping medal from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), during the first medal ceremony since the January 12 earthquake. The event was held Tuesday evening.

Over the past six years, hundreds of police officers have received this medal. But for these recipients – most of whom were in Haiti during the January 12 earthquake – it will hold a special significance.

"I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to these brave Canadian police officers on their well-deserved recognition by the international community," said Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. "Canadians are justifiably proud of the contribution of police officers from the RCMP, and other police corps across Canada serving in Haiti and around the world."

Commissioner William J.S. Elliott of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other senior representatives from the RCMP, the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) attended the ceremony in Haiti to honour these officers and thank them personally for their contributions to the country.

“We are extremely proud of our Canadian police officers in Haiti,” said Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Commissioner William J.S. Elliott. “This medal will forever serve as a symbol of the incredible courage, resilience and resourcefulness they showed in the face of such staggering challenges.”

From the moment the earthquake struck, Canadian police officers sprang into action, risking their lives to rescue victims from the rubble, providing first aid and humanitarian assistance, escorting rescue teams and evacuees, serving as translators for doctors and victims and helping in whatever way they could. Today, they continue to mentor and guide their Haitian National Police (HNP) counterparts through one of the most challenging periods in their country’s history.

Two RCMP members who died during the earthquake, Chief Superintendent Doug Coates and Sgt. Mark Gallagher, were also remembered during the ceremony.

“If anyone deserves a medal today for their efforts, it is Doug and Mark,” said Inspector Michel Martin, Canadian Contingent Commander, during the ceremony. “It is in their honour that we will proudly wear this medal, which, given the circumstances, will be even more precious to us. Their memories will inspire us all to pursue this mission that is so important to us – for the sake of the people of Haiti.”

The RCMP manages the deployment of Canadian police officers to peace missions around the world. There are currently 85 police officers in Haiti from nine different police services. Among them is RCMP Chief Superintendent Marc Tardif, who is Deputy Commissioner of Operations for MINUSTAH. 

For interviews/more information

• RCMP’s National Media Relations, 613-993-2999
• International Peace Operations Branch’s website