Close X
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
ADVT 
National

Joly urges more funding to hire Canadian diplomats, amid Liberal cutbacks on spending

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 Feb, 2024 12:28 PM
  • Joly urges more funding to hire Canadian diplomats, amid Liberal cutbacks on spending

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is asking MPs to support more funding for Global Affairs Canada, despite the Liberals undertaking cutbacks across the government.

Joly says that the United States, France and rapidly developing countries are staffing up to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. 

She says Canada needs more diplomats if it wants to have an influence in the Indo-Pacific and other key regions. 

She also says more investment in government information technology is needed, citing more frequent cyberattacks. 

Global Affairs Canada confirmed last week it was investigating a cyberattack and data breach that had forced it to limit remote access to its networks, two years after a similar incident.

Joly is asserting the need for investment despite the government's plan to cut expenditures by $7.1 billion over five years overall, starting with a three per cent cut on most departments. 

Joly made her comments to MPs at a meeting of the House of Commons foreign-affairs committee on Wednesday evening.

Senators have also been warning that the foreign service can't reform itself while facing cutbacks.

"I really hope that we can all agree on the fact that we need to invest more in our diplomats. It is important that we have our resources," Joly said. 

"This is an opportunity for you to say, 'Yes, I believe in the work Canada does at the international level,' and I’ll be frank, it should not be partisan."

 

MORE National ARTICLES

R.J. Simpson chosen as next Northwest Territories premier

R.J. Simpson chosen as next Northwest Territories premier
Newly elected members of the Northwest Territories legislature have chosen their next premier.  R.J. Simpson, the legislature member for Hay River North, won on the second round of voting Thursday. Simpson was first elected to the legislature in 2015, and previously worked with the federal government, Northern Transportation Co. Ltd., Métis Nation Local 51 and Maskwa Engineering. 

R.J. Simpson chosen as next Northwest Territories premier

B.C. housing plans could deliver 293,000 new units over next decade, says premier

B.C. housing plans could deliver 293,000 new units over next decade, says premier
Premier David Eby says the New Democrat government's ambitious homebuilding agenda could result in up to 293,000 new housing units over the next decade. Eby provided details of the housing strategy at a British Columbia Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

B.C. housing plans could deliver 293,000 new units over next decade, says premier

Mobile overdose prevention site coming to Maple Ridge

Mobile overdose prevention site coming to Maple Ridge
A mobile overdose prevention site will launch in Maple Ridge later this month. Fraser Health says in a statement that the site will begin operations on December 18th, using a customized van with an outdoor covered area to accommodate people who inhale or smoke substances.

Mobile overdose prevention site coming to Maple Ridge

Liberals hike income requirement for foreign students, targeting 'puppy mill' schools

Liberals hike income requirement for foreign students, targeting 'puppy mill' schools
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says Ottawa will require foreigners applying to study in Canada to have double the amount of funds currently required. Miller says the change is among those meant to ensure international students aren't left vulnerable to sketchy employers and unable to afford life in Canada.

Liberals hike income requirement for foreign students, targeting 'puppy mill' schools

Hiker missing for a year near Sooke, B.C., found dead

Hiker missing for a year near Sooke, B.C., found dead
The remains of a hiker who disappeared near Victoria a year ago have been found. Sooke RCMP say the remains of 38-year-old Melissa McDevitt have been located, and police do not believe criminality was involved.  

Hiker missing for a year near Sooke, B.C., found dead

Over 100 arrests made and 29K recovered in retail theft in Victoria

Over 100 arrests made and 29K recovered in retail theft in Victoria
Police in Victoria say officers have made more than 100 arrests and recovered 29-thousand-dollars in stolen merchandise during a recent eight-day retail theft crackdown. Victoria Police say the operation took place from November 27th to December 5th and also resulted in four individuals being arrested multiple times.

Over 100 arrests made and 29K recovered in retail theft in Victoria