Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Statement by the Prime Minister Stephen Harper on St-Jean-Baptiste Day

June 23, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement:

“St-Jean-Baptiste Day is a reminder to all Canadians of the wealth and greatness of the Québécois experience and of La Francophonie Canadienne. June 24 is an opportunity to celebrate French language and culture, which have been protected through courage and devotion and are part of the heritage of all Canadians.

“This celebration calls to mind the fact that St-Jean-Baptiste Day was first celebrated in Québec well before Confederation. And soon we will be celebrating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Québec City and Canada.

“As Prime Minister of Canada, I want Québec to continue to fully express its unique personality within the Canadian family.

“I wish all Québecers, Francophones and Canadians a very enjoyable Fête nationale.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister Harper outlines Government accomplishments during spring session

June 23, 2006
Québec, QC

Speaking today at a meeting of the federal Cabinet in Québec City, Prime Minister Stephen Harper listed the Government’s accomplishments, noting that great progress has been made on the issues that matter to Canadians.

In just under five months in office, Canada’s New Government has:

• Passed the Federal Accountability Act – the most sweeping anti-corruption legislation in Canada’s history;

• Lowered taxes for all Canadians;

• Introduced legislation to crack down on street-racing and gun, gang, and drug crime;

• Introduced the Universal Child Care Program, which will provide direct financial assistance to all Canadian families, as well as create real child care spaces;

• Enhanced Canada’s leadership role on the international stage by extending the mission in Afghanistan; and

• Ushered in a new era of open federalism, as evidenced by the recent agreement between the Government and Quebec that established a formal role for the province at UNESCO.

“In just a matter of months, we’ve made significant progress in addressing the priorities of Canadians,” the Prime Minister stated. “While we’ve accomplished much, there’s still more to do.

“We need to continue moving forward on delivering results for ordinary Canadians,” the Prime Minister concluded. “In doing so, we will build a better Canada for all of us.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister Harper issues statement on National Day to Remember the Victims of Terrorism

June 23, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement to mark the National Day to Remember the Victims of Terrorism:

“On this day, we pause to remember those whose lives were cruelly and needlessly lost to acts of terror, both here in Canada and around the world.

“As incidents such as the bombing of Air India Flight 182 have shown, Canada is not immune from the deadly consequences of terrorism. In our country, just as in other nations around the world, there have been those who have tried to take advantage of the freedoms offered by a democratic society to promote an agenda of intolerance and hatred. This problem continues today and we must, as a nation, do everything in our power to prevent them from succeeding.

“Towards this end, Canada is participating in international efforts to combat terrorism on a global scale. The brave men and women of Canada’s Armed Forces who currently serve in Afghanistan are a testament to our commitment to work with our allies to defeat the scourge of terrorism and to rebuild that shattered nation.

“We are also continuing to strengthen our capacity to deal with possible terrorist threats within our own borders, while devoting more resources to stopping terrorists before they strike.

“Our Government is committed to doing everything within its power to protect the lives and property of its citizens and to defend the tolerant, generous and open society that has made us the best country in the world in which to live.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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