JO shared this article with me-

Dear Mr. Harper: An Open Letter from Mining-Affected Communities in Mexico

 http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/miningwatch/2014/02/dear-mr-harper-open-letter-mining-affected-communities-mexico

 In paragraph 11 you will see an indication that development money from  DFATD is being spent to support the interests of Canadian mining companies.  It is not a good sign.
VM

Tied Aid- The Canadian Foodgrains Bank have already been considering if we will be going back to tied AID. Stuart Clark, a special CFGB advisor wrote in their newsletter at http://foodgrainsbank.ca/uploads/Breaking%20Bread%20Fall%2013.pdf  on page 6
"Today there is a new conversation about ways to balance
the needs of poor people in the developing world
with Canada’s economic interests. Our experience with
the untying of food aid reminds us that, when it comes
to who should benefit from Canadian aid, the needs of
poorest people on the planet should always be the highest
priority—even if all they can give us in return is their
gratitude.

VM

Tied AID

Hello
Canadian Foodgrains Bank has just sent out an article about "Tied Food Aid" in the USA.  They are moving away from tied food aid, but not fast enough for American NGO's.  Canada's food aid has been untied for a number of years.  This means aid is given in the form of money to buy food locally, in the area of the disaster, which support local markets, and the food that is purchased is culturally appropriate for the recipients.  Tied aid is often seen as a way of supporting the farmers in the donor country.  Check out the article at http://blog.foodgrainsbank.ca/longstanding-efforts-of-many-american-ngos-to-make-their-countrys-food-aid-system-more-efficient-are-making-progress/#.Uv61cGJdVIE

Now that CIDA has folded into DFATD , will tied aid become an issue in Canada?  MMMMmmm
Cheers
VM