Wednesday, August 16, 2006

News Release

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


Prime Minister announces new Lebanon Relief Fund

August 16, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the creation of a $25 million Lebanon Relief Fund to respond effectively to relief, early recovery, and stabilization needs in Lebanon.

“As a leader on the international stage, Canada has a responsibility to help those suffering from circumstances beyond their control. Today’s announcement is about doing just that – bringing urgent relief to people by ensuring the availability of much-needed humanitarian supplies,” said the Prime Minister.

The two-year fund will be used to respond to requests by the Red Cross Movement, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address needs in Lebanon following the ceasefire. It will also enable Canada to undertake targeted stabilization and reconstruction activities, as called for in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

Today’s announcement builds on Canada’s previous allocation of $5.5 million to humanitarian efforts in Lebanon. Canada has also actively supported the efforts of humanitarian agencies in Lebanon to reach those in need, including the transport by sea of humanitarian personnel and over 140 tonnes of relief items.

* * * *

BACKGROUNDER: CANADIAN ASSISTANCE TO LEBANON


Canada's Lebanon Relief Fund is intended to respond to relief, early recovery and stabilization needs in Lebanon. This two year fund will enable Canada to respond effectively to the evolving situation.

Approximately $15 million will be immediately allocated to United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, and Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide for humanitarian, relief and recovery needs.

Approximately $10 million will be allocated to support stabilization efforts and to provide civilian support to the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

In response to an international appeal issued in July, Canada allocated $500,000 in support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Canada also provided $5 million to UN agencies, which is being disbursed as follows:

$1.75 million to the World Food Programme;

  • $1 million will provide emergency food assistance to people affected by the conflict in Lebanon

  • $750,000 will contribute to the logistics operations for the Lebanon Crisis;

    $1.5 million to UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO);

  • $750,000 to UNICEF and WHO for provision of primary health care services

  • $750,000 to UNICEF for the provision of adequate water and sanitation support to southern areas of the country affected by the conflict;

    $1 million for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide emergency assistance to internally displaced persons and refugees in Lebanon and neighbouring countries;

    $500,000 for the establishment of a United Nations' Joint Logistics Centre to provide logistics coordination and support for the humanitarian activities in Lebanon;

    $250,000 to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for coordinating the humanitarian response.
    The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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    • posted by a Confidential Source @ 8/16/2006   0 comments

    News Release

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


    Prime Minister Harper to attend opening of Jericho Diamond Mine

    A Canadian Success Story
    August 16, 2006
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper will attend the official opening of the Jericho Diamond Mine project on Thursday, August 17, 2006.

    The Jericho Mine, which is located 350 kilometers southwest of Cambridge Bay, is Canada’s third and Nunavut’s first diamond mine. The $120 million project is owned and operated by the Tahera Diamond Corporation, a Canadian-based mining company. It is estimated this project will produce 375,000 carats per year and 2.6 million carats over the life of the mine.

    The Prime Minister will be joined by senior company officials and representatives of the Government of Nunavut at the ceremonies.

    “I am proud to have this opportunity to take part in a significant event in Nunavut’s history,” the Prime Minister stated. “This mine project will provide jobs and benefits for the people of Nunavut and will spur continued interest in Canada’s rapidly growing diamond mining sector.”

    A backgrounder on the Canadian diamond industry is attached.

    * * * * *

    BACKGROUNDER

    Canada’s Diamond Rush

    • Canada the world’s third-largest diamond producer by value. Diamond mine production in 2005 is estimated having exceeded 12 million carats for a value of C$1.7 billion.

    • The diamond industry is the largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product of the Northwest Territories, providing more than 50 percent of the amount.

    • Canada’s rise to prominence in the diamond industry began in 1998 when the Ekati Mine in the Northwest Territories came into production.

    • Currently, Canada’s production comes from three mines: the Ekati mine in the Northwest Territories, Diavik mine in the Northwest Territories and the Jericho mine in Nunavut.

    • More diamond mines are scheduled to begin production in the coming years. These include the Snap Lake mine in the Northwest Territories in 2007, the Victor mine in Ontario in 2008 and the Gahcho Kué mine in the Northwest Territories in 2011.

    • The industry currently provides over 3,300 jobs in Canada, 35% to aboriginals.

    • The mines’ respective share of Canada’s production, on a carat basis, is as follows: Diavik (65%), Ekati (31%) and Jericho (4%).

    • Canada’s diamond mines are helping to build a strong economy and prosperous future for many regions, including Aboriginal communities and the major Canadian cities that serve as hubs for financial markets, equipment manufacturing companies and allied industries.

    • Canada also has a growing diamond-cutting and polishing industry comprising five factories operating in Yellowknife, Vancouver and Matane (Quebec). These operations have an important training component that includes a number of Aboriginal apprentices.

    • Across Canada, diamond exploration expenditures involving 123 companies reached $251 million in 2005, which was mostly spent in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Ontario.


    The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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    posted by a Confidential Source @ 8/16/2006   0 comments

    Statement

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


    Statement by the Prime Minister on India's 59th anniversary of independence

    August 16, 2006
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement yesterday on India’s 59th anniversary of independence:

    “I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone marking the 59th anniversary of India's independence. In particular, I would like to extend my personal thanks to the Consulate-General of India for organizing today’s celebrations.

    “As Canadians, we are fortunate to live in a country which embraces the many cultures of the world. Our ability to be proud Canadians while respecting our differences is what makes us unique, and has earned us the admiration of other nations. Today, as you gather to mark this special occasion, you will have a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the unique and rich heritage of Indo-Canadians while celebrating the cultural diversity of our society. You may take great pride in the contributions members of your community have made to the social, economic and political fabric of our great nation.

    “On behalf of the Government of Canada, please accept my best wishes for a most enjoyable and memorable evening.”
    The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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    posted by a Confidential Source @ 8/16/2006   0 comments

    News Release

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


    Public events for August 17, 2006

    August 16, 2006
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Thursday, August 17th are:

    Noon – The Prime Minister attends opening ceremonies of Jericho Mines.

    ***Photo opportunity

    6:30 p.m. – The Prime Minister attends reception hosted by the Government Leader of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Joe Handley

    Great Hall of the Legislative Assembly
    Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
    Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

    ***Remarks and photo opportunity

    The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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    posted by a Confidential Source @ 8/16/2006   0 comments