The Prime Minister of Québec, Philippe Couillard and Christine St-Pierre, Minister of International Relations and Francophonie, pay tribute to the former President of the Republic of Haiti, René Préval, who died at the age of 74

"It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of René Préval. A deep friendship unites the Quebec and Haitian peoples, and our relationship with Haiti is based on lasting ties. We will remember that it was under the presidency of René Préval that Quebec greatly intensified its collaboration with Haiti. It was at his side that Quebec undertook to help rebuild the country in the wake of the tragic earthquake that had plagued Haiti in January 2010. My thoughts go to his family, to the entire Haitian population, in particular the one established in Quebec, to whom I wish to express, on behalf of the Government of Quebec, my deepest sympathy," Philippe Couillard.

"I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the Haitian people and to the entire Haitian diaspora present in Quebec. Quebec and Haiti are bound by several agreements, but also and especially today by the heart. The solidarity and commitment of Quebec to Haiti express themselves with particular force in these days of mourning," Christine St-Pierre.