The Canadian High Commission, the revered historian and the dinner invite never sent

More of the sordid details behind the Government’s efforts to undermine the mandate of the Foundation for Canadian Studies in the UK. A long but interesting read, and consistent with earlier Government decisions to cut funding international for the Canadian studies abroad program (see Foreign Affairs Cuts Canadian Studies Abroad Program):

The foundation’s original mandate was “the advancement of the education of the public in the United Kingdom in matters relating to Canada,” primarily through the funding of Canadian Studies research chairs at several UK universities. Following the fracas, the foundation’s website was amended to say it is “now expanding this to consider research that is directed at issues that are of strategic importance to both Canada and the UK, such as energy, transport, communications, the sustainable use of natural resources, multiculturalism and the welfare of indigenous peoples.”

The squabble has seen Mr. Campbell accused of bullying and suggestions raised of interference by either the Prime Minister’s Office or the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa. Critics accuse the High Commission of wanting to use the foundation’s money – all of it raised via private donations – to carry out programs the High Commission can no longer afford to pay for after funding cuts by the federal government.

The Canadian High Commission, the revered historian and the dinner invite never sent – The Globe and Mail.