CANADA'S RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON CHALLENGING OTHER

UNCLAS OTTAWA 001801 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID EAGR CA SUBJECT: CANADA'S RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON CHALLENGING OTHER DONORS TO FIGHT HUNGER AND ADDRESS HUMANITARIAN NEEDS IN AFRICA. REF: SECSTATE 108008 Charge John Dickson discussed reftel demarche with David Malone, Assistant Deputy Minister for GlobalIssues at Foreign Affairs Canada. Malone welcomed the information and responded that although the GOC is not in a position at the moment to make additional commitments right now, he expects they will have the "flexibility" to have something for Gleneagles. Note: Malone was referring to PM Paul Martin's minority government current management of their budget, maneuvering budget bills through a series of knife-edge votes. A bill that will boost foreign aid spending is currently being contentiously debated in the House Finance Committee. Although the legislation is expected to pass, the GOC cannot count on the additional funding yet. End note. Visit Canada's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/ottawa DICKSON