CANADA CONSIDERING CONTINGENCY RELIEF PLANNING

C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 000310 SIPDIS U.S. MISSION GENEVA PASS TO RMA E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/30/2013 TAGS: PHUM PREF IZ PREL CIDA SUBJECT: CANADA CONSIDERING CONTINGENCY RELIEF PLANNING REF: STATE 22216 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Brian Flora for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). (C) Poloff delivered reftel talking points to Louise Marchand, Director General, International Humanitarian Assistance Division, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA),on January 28. In response, Ms. Marchand said a decision on whether Canada will contribute to contingency planning will be made very soon by CIDA Minister Susan Whelan. The Canadian Parliament is debating Iraq policy this week, and Ms. Marchand indicated the decision on a contribution will be influenced by the tone of that debate. Note: Poloff also delivered talking points to Susan Gregson, Director of DFAIT's Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs and International Women's Equality Division, who was much more optimistic that Canada will make a contribution to relief planning. End note. Post will follow up and provide further information when available. CELLUCCI