Out of sight, out of mind

For those who missed it, Haiti's new president visited Canada yesterday to make a pitch for aid in order to ensure that the current incarnation of Haitian democracy lasts longer than the previous one. But if you did miss the news, that may not be by accident:

Preval's visit was almost invisible, with few of the normal trappings associated with a foreign dignitary.

There were no news releases or briefings on his meetings with Harper, MacKay or Jean.

There was no joint news conference. The prime minister's office made no announcement of the visit beforehand.

Unfortunately, it appears that Harper has classified Haiti's democracy as an issue to be hidden rather than acknowledged. And if Harper doesn't even want Canadians to be reminded of what Haiti's needs are, there's little reason to think that his regime will look past ideology to help Preval develop a stable government in a country which sorely needs it.