OTTAWA – The federal government will give Haiti $15 million to beef up security, Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon announced Tuesday.

Canada plans to spend $4.4 million to build a prison and more than $4 million to buy five police boats and fix Haiti’s national police naval base.

Cannon called on Haiti to provide better living conditions for its people.

“Political stability and good governance will be crucial to ensure gains made are enduring,” he said.

After Afghanistan, Haiti is the second largest beneficiary of Canada’s foreign aid. Canada budgeted $555 million over five years to help the troubled Caribbean island.

“Haiti’s need are enormous, (but) its capacities are limited,” said Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive.

Bellerive said there is an “impatience” with all involved - Haitians and foreign donors - but Canada can be hopeful things will get better.

Bellerive was making his first foreign visit since he became prime minister in November.

althia.raj@sunmedia.ca