A senior Canadian government official, speaking on background, called the comments "disappointing."

Richard Mills said Thursday the pause in funding ordered by the president is necessary so the U.S. can assess the WHO's transparency and accountability.

Richard Mills, the U.S. chargé d'affaires, said while there have been positive spending steps by the Canadian government on defence, the view south of the border is that Canada will fall short in hitting its promised investment of two per cent of GDP on defence.