Fantino confirms what NGOs had long suspected
OTTAWA - Non-governmental organizations and charities are finding themselves starved for funds as Canada shifts to a trade–oriented approach to overseas development.
Julian Fantino must be an advocate for the poor
At first glance, the appointment of Julian Fantino to replace Bev Oda as Canada’s Minister of International Co-operation seems an odd choice.
Fantino inherits responsibility for overseeing a $5-billion aid budget co-ordinated through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Becoming the public face of Canadian charity is a big leap for someone best known as a hard-nosed cop who, if he has a soft side, keeps it well hidden.
Then again, Fantino may be exactly what CIDA needs.