OTTAWA — The federal government is suspending all direct aid to Nicaragua, citing what it calls “the deteriorating human rights situation” in the Central American nation under President Daniel Ortega. Canada’s suspension of direct aid to Nicaragua was first reported by the CBC, which says a Global Affairs memo from last August recommended against making any public announcement when the decision was made. In an email to The Canadian Press on Sunday, a spokeswoman for Global Affairs Canada confirms the government made the decision last summer. Brittany Fletcher says Ottawa will continue to support projects led by non-governmental organizations, with a focus on helping vulnerable groups. According to the government’s “Statistical Report on International Assistance,” Global Affairs Canada provided $9.37 million in bilateral international assistance in 2017-2018.

Source: National Post April 14, 2019 19:07 UTC