During the continued consideration of the 2026 budget estimates on Tuesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd faced scrutiny from Opposition MP Amanza Walton-Desir regarding budgetary priorities and spending shifts, particularly concerning the new Foreign Service Institute building.
The budget allocates $138.3 million for the construction of the Foreign Service Institute, with Todd confirming that the project is progressing as planned. He assured the committee that the budget estimate specifically supports this initiative.
For the 2026 fiscal year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has a proposed total budget of approximately $10.03 billion, which includes $247.638 million earmarked for capital expenditure.
Walton-Desir probed Todd about changes in staffing and budgeting line items, specifically whether the increases reflected new contracted positions or revised terms for existing roles. In response, Todd detailed personnel movements within the ministry, citing resignations and transfers, including positions such as protocol and foreign service officers. He noted that these changes resulted in adjustments to overall employee costs across the ministry.
The MP also questioned the year-on-year decline in the allocation for building maintenance. Todd explained that the ministry has improved maintenance efficiency, focusing on two primary buildings. He argued that better upkeep practices have lessened the financial requirement for maintenance.
Concerns were also raised about the decreasing funds for office materials and supplies amidst staffing increases and ongoing policy initiatives. Todd attributed this reduction to the ministry’s digitization efforts, explaining that the transition towards a “paperless” operation will inherently reduce expenditures on paper-based supplies.
Overall, the discussion reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving efficiency while adjusting to operational changes and budgetary constraints as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.
