Edwards defends spending cuts, embassy closures

Published January 13, 2010

Embassies and consulates in Europe and Africa were closed in favour of more trade offices in Asia and Latin America. A veritable hiring freeze was imposed and a plan to post more Canadian diplomats abroad scaled back dramatically. Cross-the-board belt-tightening was introduced, with no end in sight.

Since the government came to power four years ago, there has been widespread worry the government is...