First airlift for Canadians fleeing Haiti succeeds after weather delay

A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says 18 Canadians were brought out of Haiti by helicopter this morning.

Joly said on Monday the 18 had already left, but Global Affairs Canada later clarified that their departure was put off due to bad weather.

The people were flown to safety in the Dominican Republic once heavy rain and wind conditions subsided.

Joly announced Canada's evacuation plan for citizens in Haiti on Monday afternoon.

Canadian passport-holders are being offered a chance to leave as Haiti undergoes food shortages and escalating violence from armed gangs.

Joly's spokesperson says the minister was told before her Monday press conference that the evacuations had just taken place, and she only learned about the postponement after talking to reporters.