Notice

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

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PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER MEETS WITH PRESIDENT-ELECT OF MEXICO FELIPE CALDERÓN

October 25, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Thursday, October 26th

10:50 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will hold a bilateral meeting with President-Elect of Mexico Felipe Calderón.

Office of the Prime Minister
307-S Centre Block
Ottawa, ON

*Photo opportunity at beginning of meeting*

12:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President-Elect of Mexico Felipe Calderón will hold a joint media availability.

House of Commons
Reading Room
237-C Centre Block
Ottawa, ON

*Open to media*

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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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CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT WELCOMES GLOBAL CENTRE FOR PLURALISM

October 25, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that Canada’s New Government is partnering with the Aga Khan to establish the new Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa.

“We are honoured that His Highness, leader of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, and one of the world's best known philanthropists, has chosen Canada as the home of this institution,” Prime Minister Harper said. “Pluralism is the principle that binds our diverse people together. It is elemental to our civil society and economic strength.”

The Centre will promote pluralism internationally as a means to advance good governance, peace and human development. It will support academic and professional development, provide advisory services, and support research and learning in developed and developing countries.

At a signing ceremony in the historic Reading Room of Centre Block on Parliament Hill, the partnership agreement was signed by the Aga Khan and the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Beverly J. Oda. The agreement provides for the Centre to be funded through an endowment seeded with $30 million from the federal government and $10 million from the Aga Khan Development Network. It will be governed by a Board of Directors that will report annually to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Government intends to conclude a lease agreement that will see the Centre located in the Sussex Drive landmark that was the former home of the Canadian War Museum. The Aga Khan has committed to renovating the building to include fully-wired classrooms, an innovative research library, and a professional theatre that will support and showcase the Centre’s research and learning programs.

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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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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER IN CELEBRATION OF THE 15TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

October 25, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement in celebration of the 15th annual Women’s History Month:

“Women’s History Month recognizes and celebrates the instrumental role Canadian women have played in building our great country. From the Famous Five’s hard-fought victories for legal and political equality to the celestial achievements of Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman in space, successive generations of women have helped make Canada the peaceful, prosperous and successful country it is today.

“In every conceivable field of human endeavour – politics, business, scientific study, athletics, or entertainment – Canadian women have made their mark. This year, Women’s History Month is focusing on Aboriginal Women – Canada’s First Women. They have always been central to the success of their families and communities, but their contributions have often been overlooked. Now aboriginal women are taking on increasingly prominent leadership roles as artists, athletes, educators, health professionals and politicians. In no small way, they are making history.

“Canada’s New Government is also making history. For too long Canadian law has denied equality to native women living on reserves by failing to recognize their matrimonial property rights. Our government is now taking action to right this historical wrong and make sure that Aboriginal women living on reserves have the same matrimonial property rights as all Canadian women.

“Women’s History Month reminds us that in our country, unlike so many others, women have the opportunity to participate in every aspect of Canadian life. It is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments of all Canadian women who contribute so much to our great country.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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