The federal government has pledged to speed up immigration applications from Haitians with family in Canada in light of the earthquake that has ravaged the Caribbean country.

Haitians currently in Canada temporarily will also be allowed to extend their stay, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney also announced Saturday in Ottawa.

He said applicants must identify themselves as being directly and significantly affected by Tuesday's earthquake. Priority consideration will also be given to pending adoption cases with the visa office in Port-au-Prince, Kenney said.

The man who recently served as the commanding officer of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan will lead Canada's military relief efforts in Haiti.

Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche was to arrive in the impoverished nation on Saturday to co-ordinate the operation, Defence Minister Peter MacKay said.

Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche, seen here in 2008, led Canadian troops in Cyprus, Bosnia and Afghanistan. (Canadian Press)

Laroche, a member of the Royal 22nd Regiment, commonly known as the Van Doos, has a "tremendous" amount of experience," the minister said.

The general commanded Canadian troops in Afghanistan for 10 months in 2007 and 2008. He also led Canadian forces in Bosnia and Cyprus.

"We need excellent military leadership to co-ordinate activities on the ground," MacKay said in Ottawa. "I have no doubt in his leadership qualities."

Roughly 200 military personnel are now on the ground in Haiti. The military has brought in 100 tonnes of equipment and supplies to Haiti and two more aircraft will bring additional personnel and supplies this weekend. Canada plans to deploy nearly 1,000 soldiers to Haiti to help in relief efforts.

Two Canadian warships loaded with supplies are getting closer to Haiti and military officials expect them to be off the Haitian coast by Tuesday.

"The Canadian Forces have so far moved 100 tonnes of equipment and supplies to Haiti, including 65,000 pounds of water and rations and 46,000 pounds of medical supplies, as well as vehicles and communications and search and rescue equipment," MacKay said.

To help in the movement of urgently needed supplies, four Griffon helicopters from Canada will arrive in Haiti in the next three to four days, he said.

Canadian Forces aircraft continued to evacuate Canadians out of the earthquake-torn country Saturday. Since Thursday, 460 Canadians have been returned to Canada by military aircraft, MacKay said.