Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Today – Periods of rain and fog. Risk of a thunderstorm this morning. Amount 5 to 10 mm. Wind becoming southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 this morning. High 16.

Tonight – Rain ending this evening then cloudy. Rain beginning overnight. Fog patches developing this evening and dissipating overnight. Amount 5 mm. Wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming northwest 20 overnight. Low 6.

Fog advisory in effect for Chatham-Kent

Environment Canada has issued a fog advisory for Chatham-Kent.

Forecasters say near zero visibility is expected or occurring, as widespread fog is persisting this morning.

Visibilities will be frequently reduced to less than 800 metres at times.

Fog is expected to lift later this morning.

“If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop,” Environment Canada officials stated.

Fog advisories are issued when near zero visibilities in fog are expected or occurring.

Special weather statement in place

A special weather statement remains in place across Chatham-Kent as well, as appreciable rainfall is expected into Wednesday.

Periods of rain will continue today and tonight.

Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 mm are possible today and again Wednesday.

This is below Environment Canada’s criterion for rainfall warning of 25 mm in 24 hours when the ground is frozen.

Ponding of water on roads and possible marginal flooding may be expected in poorly drained areas.

A cold front will bring the rain to an end Wednesday. Rainfall from this multi-day event may total 25 to 40 mm.

Flood watch in place for Sydenham River

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) have issued a flood watch across the region.

SCRCA officials say with warm temperatures across the region this past weekend, water levels on the Sydenham River and its tributaries are rising moderately.

School buses cancelled this morning

School buses in zones 1-6 are cancelled this morning due to the fog.

This included buses in Wallaceburg and most buses in Dresden.

Buses in zones 7 and 8 are running as normal.

All buses will run as normal this afternoon.

Canada’s support to Women’s Voice and Leadership Initiative in Haiti

On Monday, Canada announced $8.3 million (2017-2018 to 2022-2023) to a Women’s Voice and Leadership initiative in Haiti led by the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI).

Women and girls continue to be significantly disadvantaged in Haiti, where high rates of gender-based violence, lack of access to higher education, unequal pay, and underrepresentation in politics and public administration continue.

Canada’s support to this Women’s Voice and Leadership project will enable local women’s organizations to implement their initiatives, and strengthen their capacity to promote and defend rights, and empower Haitian women and girls.

“Women’s voices must be heard in all spheres of society, in Canada as in Haiti,” stated Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.

“We all need women’s leadership to change and build a better world. We will not do it if we leave half of humanity behind.”

This initiative will advance gender equality in Haiti by contributing to improving:

– The management and sustainability of more than 20 grassroots women’s organizations and up to six women’s umbrella organizations in Haiti

– The performance, effectiveness and quality of service delivery of local women’s organizations; and the effectiveness of six advocacy groups who are trying to influence the development of gender-sensitive laws and policies.

In June 2017, Canada launched its new Women’s Voice and Leadership Program as part of its Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Canada committed to allocating $150 million over five years to respond to needs of local women’s organizations in developing countries that are working to advance the rights of women and girls, and promote gender equality.

Monday’s announcement highlights the launch of the first project under the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program.

Canada is now a leading donor in supporting women’s rights organizations in developing countries.

Canada’s international assistance in Haiti

Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. Its population is estimated to be 10.9 million. In 2016 it ranked 163th out of 188 countries according to the Human Development Index (HDI) established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In the past, the country has been exposed to natural disasters, such as the 2010 earthquake in 2010 and several hurricanes, political instability and external economic shocks. These combined elements result in an impoverishment of Haiti and its population. In addition, the state’s weakness makes it difficult for the country to provide basic services to its own population.

Canada is a steadfast partner of Haiti in order to improve the lives of Haitians women and men. This solidarity was particularly evident following the earthquake. Haiti is currently the largest recipient of Canadian assistance in the Americas.

In 2012, Haiti’s Government established a long-term development strategic plan (strategic plan for development of Haiti: Vision 2030) and a new framework to coordinate the development assistance. In this context, Canada’s engagement fits in the existing mechanisms of local coordination and is aligned with Haitian priorities for development.

Minister Bibeau met with different interlocutors and Haitian partners to discuss women empowerment in #Haiti. pic.twitter.com/7m4fOISYfF

— Canada in Haiti (@CanEmbHaiti) 19 February 2018

Surrounded by organizations working on women empowerment in Haiti, Minister Bibeau announces Canada’s support towards a Women’s Voice & Leadership initiative that will strengthen the capacity of local organizations that advance women’s rights in Haiti. https://t.co/SJfJg7lnCR pic.twitter.com/AehT1o5iuj

— Canada in Haiti (@CanEmbHaiti) 19 February 2018