"Ottawa has cancelled $9 million of debt owed by three African countries."

Paul Martin addressed the UN last week...this cancellation was announced the same day and I found myself clapping and cheering at the TV. Yes, I am a nerd....But I am also writing a letter, filled with accolades, to both the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister. That's a first for me, so I felt inclined to also add on a request for more money to combat the AIDS pandemic in Africa. They must love me over there...my letters are always saying, "good job Dudes, now if you can you just put more money over here and there....pretty please?"

Here is more on the debt cancellation:

The following is a news item posted on CBC NEWS ONLINE
at http://www.cbc.ca/news
____________________________________________________
OTTAWA FORGIVES DEBT OF 3 AFRICAN COUNTRIES
WebPosted Wed Sep 22 11:47:49 2004

Ottawa---Ottawa has cancelled $9 million of debt owed by three African countries.

Finance Minister Ralph Goodale announced on Wednesday that the government will forgive the debt owed by Senegal, Ghana and Ethiopia.

"Excessive debt is one of the heaviest burdens to economic growth for
African nations," Goodale said in a news release. "The relief provided today will enable these countries to spend more on priorities such as health and education, rather than debt payments."

Canada has previously forgiven the debts of Benin, Guyana and Bolivia.

In 2000, then-finance minister Paul Martin announced Canada would stop collecting debt payments from heavily indebted poor countries if they committed to reducing poverty, spending on social priorities such as health care and education, and protecting human rights.

Canada plans to forgive more than $1.1 billion in debts.

Copyright (C) 2004 CBC. All rights reserved.