OTTAWA — Most of the 450 Canadian soldiers on security duty in Haiti will come home at the end of the month and be replaced by another contingent for three months, Defence Minister David Pratt said Tuesday.

The United Nations announced two weeks ago that it would send an 8,000-member force to the troubled island, relieving French, American and Canadian troops, who went in two months ago as the country teetered on the brink of anarchy.

Pratt said Canada will stay on for another 90 days to act as a bridge between the two missions.

A company group from the Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick will be sent to relieve their comrades on the ground.

A helicopter detachment from Valcartier, Que., will stay on for the extra three months, as will most members of the command and logistics group.

Pratt said Canada may contribute some police help to the new UN stabilization force, but won't send troops.

"Once we finish our commitment as of Aug. 31, that's going to be the end for us."