DFAIT Budget "Slashed"

Foreign Affairs Hit with $639 Million in Cuts

So runs the headline in Embassy, the Hill Time's journal dedicated to increasing diplomacy's share of the fiscal pie. They are especially irked that while DFAIT takes a hit DND gets more. It's here.

Panorama

Anyone interested in reading the daily notices to DFAIT staff can do so to their heart's content here. There are lists of available positions, events in the cafeteria, notices of construction on the 9th floor...

John Rankin Sharpe: RIP

Friends and colleagues will be sadden by the death of John on Sunday, February 15.  A copy of the obituary from today's Citizen is below.  As similar obiuary appeared in today's Globe and Mail.  Gar

 

SHARPE, John Rankin It is with profound sadness that the family of John Sharpe announces his death at the Bonnechere Manor, Renfrew on Sunday afternoon, February 15th, 2009 at the age of 82 years. He was a kind and gentle man who was much loved by his devoted wife of 52 years, Alison (nee Thorburn). Dearly loved father of Kathryn Kearns (Stephen) of Montreal, Michael of Scotland, Alan (Ruth) of Kitchener and David of New York. Treasured "Grandpa" of Jeffrey, Matthew and Trevor Kearns and Andrew and Spencer Sharpe. Predeceased by his brother, William and his sister, Elizabeth. John's career in the Canadian Foreign Service, over a period of 30 years, involved postings to Sri Lanka, Washington D.C., Dublin, Paris, London and Seattle, where he was the Consul General. Upon retirement, John spent 10 more very happy years with CCAF (The Canadian Comprehensive Auditing Foundation) in Ottawa, where he made many new friends. The family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Dr. A. Di Paolo and the entire staff of the Bonnechere Manor, Renfrew. Friends may join John's family at the Pilon Family Funeral Home & Chapel, 50 John Street North, Arnprior, Ontario, on Thursday morning, February 19th at 11 o'clock for a celebration of John's life. For those wishing, a donation to the Alzheimer Society or the Arnprior Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. Condolences/Tributes/Donations www.pilonfamily.ca

Ibbitson on DFAIT

Our foreign service retains many highly skilled officers who work hard to protect our interests and to contribute to the dialogue abroad. But they have been betrayed by events and by politicians who have lost control over those events. The ministry of Louis St. Laurent, of Lester Pearson, of Joe Clark, of Lloyd Axworthy, of John Manley is falling apart.

Read the rest, in the Feb. 5 G&M -- here.

DFAIT Recruiting Poster

Update Your Bumperstickers

"I have a liberal neighbor with some bumper stickers that no longer send the message she wants. I’m watching to see if and when she removes the sticker that says, 'Visualize Impeachment,' and another saying, 'If You Can Read This, You’re Not the President.' Clearly to her, those are now outdated and should be removed. Would it be wrong to go knock on her door and ask if I could have them for my car?"

Cure for Alzheimers?

David Horley reports some good news. According to this, an alcoholic beverage or two per day will ward off Alzheimers. Wasn't it Pasteur who said there are more old drunks than old doctors?