Canada deployed 170 soldiers to Haiti Wednesday as part of an international security force trying to restore order to the troubled Caribbean country.

The troops arrived in Port-au-Prince late in the day Wednesday. They will begin patrolling the capital of Port-au-Prince as soon as they've settled in.

Defence Minister David Pratt, who was on hand at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick to see the soldiers off, said Canada may have to play an extended role in Haiti beyond its 90-day military commitment.

Pratt said the military mission could go longer, adding that Canadian police may be sent to help with the country's restoration.

"I think there's a recognition that Haiti is a longer-term project in terms of the government of Canada as a whole," he said.

An international force was sent to Haiti to stabilize the country after the ouster of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Aristide was forced to flee the country following a rebel uprising.

Pratt said Canadian troops will assist police, provide security for vital areas and will engage in some disarmament activities.

He told the soldiers that Canada supports their efforts and talked about the importance of the family and friends they're leaving behind.

"Without their support, without their sacrifice, and without their good wishes, you couldn't do the job that you do on foreign deployments."

Canada is sending in total about 450 soldiers to Haiti to join the international security force.

Another 150 troops are scheduled to be deployed from Gagetown on Monday.