^ The lack of connections to Canadian expats isn't a Harper specific policy flaw. It's been that way for decades unfortunately. In fact, that's one that the Harperites have tried to reverse much to the chagrin of DFAIT officials who seem to think that dealing with Canadians overseas is not 'real' diplomatic work….believe it or not, it's been CSIS, DND and EDC that have been pushing to build links with Canadians abroad. While I might not agree with a decision or two (like selling off the grand buildings overseas), having seen how DFAIT works and how the staff in the Pearson palace think I am less inclined to blame Harper on this one. He is doing his darndest to let some fresh air into that building (not in the least because it has a reputation as Liberal finishing school). Unfortunately, DFAIT has significant bureaucratic inertia. I wasn't kidding when I said they do what they want, when they want and rarely consult the politicians or the government. I have witnessed them on more than one occasion make decisions on defence policy and not tell DND or simply draft up an aid commitment and not inform CIDA…or the government. And they do this knowing full well that if the policy flops it'll land in the government's lap not theirs. It's behaviour like that which has led to the Harper government thinking that the civil service is full of closet Liberals who are out to undermine him, rather than apolitical professionals. That being said, there aren't too many offices in town like that. But DFAIT does seem to be the most egregious offender at times.
I wouldn't blame Harper on this file unless you know a little more of the backstory....you should check out how little DFAIT knew about how many Canadians were in Lebanon during the 2006 war and where they were located. The CF had to figure that one out manually..as in sending troops on the ground door-to-door to retrieve Canadians. The one decision Harprer does deserve criticism for though, is the attempt to sell off DFAIT properties overseas. That to me is a really stupid decision.