Government of Canada Response to HI (March 2005)

APR 12 2005

2005FIN157471

Mr. John Mihevc

Chair

Halifax Initiative Coalition

104-153 Chapel Street Ottawa, ON KIN 1H5

Dear Mr. Mihevc:

Thank you for your correspondence of March 17, 2005, in which you raised concerns about the U.S. nominee, Dr. Paul Wolfowitz, for the position of President of the World Bank. I appreciate your views.

On March 31, Canada joined the consensus of World Bank shareholders to select Dr. Wolfowitz as the tenth President of the World Bank. Prior to this decision, Canada and other member countries, through their Executive Directors, had discussions with Dr. Wolfowitz on issues related to the Bank's policies, programs and ongoing mission of poverty reduction.

Canada indicated to Dr. Wolfowitz that it remains steadfast in its view that the primary role of the World Bank is as a development institution, and not a simple financial intermediary. Canada noted that the Bank must maintain poverty reduction as its central mission and must continue to provide assistance to low-income countries under stress. Dr. Wolfowitz indicated his complete agreement with the Canadian position and his commitment to the World Bank's mission of helping people in need and developing opportunities for all the people of the world to achieve their full potential.

As President of the World Bank, Dr. Wolfowitz will need to work closely with the institution's Executive Board, which is charged with the responsibility to approve all operations and major policies.

I hope that I have been able to address the issues raised in your note.

Yours sincerely,

[original signed]

Ralph Goodale