First attempt to airlift Canadians out of Haiti grounded by weather

Helicopter flights to bring18Canadians out ofHaitiwere postponed Monday due to poor weather conditions in the Dominican Republic, Canada's ambassador to Haiti told CBC News.

Andr Franois Girouxtold Power & Politics that Canada's newassisted departure operation for Haiti, announced Monday, will resume when heavy rain and wind conditions abate.

"We were all ready to go," Giroux said, addingthat the operation was postponed for "the safety of everybody."

Haiti is in chaos due to widespread gang violencethat has shut down themain airport in Port-au-Princebecause of its proximity togang territory.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mlanie Joly said Monday Canada willtransport eligible Canadians by helicopter from Haiti to the neighbouring Dominican Republic, where they can catch flights home.

Onlycitizens with valid Canadian passports are eligible; Joly said the government is exploring options for other Canadian citizens, permanent residentsand their families.

"Our goal, as the government of Canada, is always to bring them to safety," Joly said.

The most vulnerable Canadians, such as people with medical conditions or children, will be prioritized, she added.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) says it has contactedCanadians in Haiti to inform them of the operation.Fewer than 300 people have asked for assistance getting out. Just under30 people have expressed interest and are eligible to leaveimmediately.

Those attempting to get out of Haitithrough the emergency program will have to reach the meeting point in Haiti on their own which is onereason why some people aren't willing to leave within 24 hours, Joly said.

WATCH | Bad weather delays evacuation of Canadians from Haiti:

Canada announces plan to get citizens out of Haiti

2 months ago

Duration 1:56

Canada is launching assisted departures from Haiti to the Dominican Republic for Canadians scrambling to find a way out of the country as gang violence shows no signs of ending. So far, the number of people wanting out of the country is small, but many long-time residents say things could change.

"The situation may be very dangerous," she said, adding that the gathering point is in a "green zone," a safe place, which will make transporting Canadians to the Dominican Republic easier.

Joly is advising Canadians in Haiti who need help escapingto register with GAC.Information on how to registercan be found on Joly's social media pagesor on the GACwebsite.

Roughly 3,000 Canadians in Haiti are registered with the federal government, according to GAC.

The departmentsaid on March 23 it had responded to 245 inquiries since violence erupted earlier this month among rival gangs, leaving foreigners stranded amid a wave ofkidnappings, robberies and violent crime.