News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF CHRISTIAN PARADIS AS SECRETARY OF STATE (AGRICULTURE)

January 4, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the appointment of Christian Paradis, Member of Parliament for Megantic–L’Erable, Quebec, as Secretary of State (Agriculture).

“Christian Paradis is a bright new Member of Parliament from Quebec. He will work with Minister Strahl to help him continue to deliver our Government’s unprecedented level of support to agriculture – a bedrock Canadian industry,” said the Prime Minister.

Christian Paradis’ appointment was part of Prime Minister Harper’s announcement designed to strengthen his ministerial team as well as create six Secretaries of State, as Canada’s New Government gets ready for the return of Parliament and its second year in office.

Biographical notes are attached.

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The Honourable Christian Paradis

Christian Paradis was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources in 2006, and was a member of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and the Legislative Committee on Bill C-30, Canada's Clean Air Act.

Prior to his election, Mr. Paradis practised corporate law in Thetford Mines, Quebec. He served as President of the Asbestos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Secretary of the Management Club of Canada (Asbestos Chapter). He has been involved in several support groups and charitable organizations.

Mr. Paradis has a bachelor's degree in civil law from the University of Sherbrooke and has a master's degree in corporate law from Laval University.

Mr. Paradis was born in Thetford Mines. He is married to Julie Roberge and they have three children.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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