News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES UNDER NEW NATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

March 10, 2008
Yellowknife, NWT

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, joined by Government Leader of the Northwest Territories Floyd K. Roland, today announced the Government of Canada will provide the NWT with $4.2 million as part of the new national Community Development Trust.

The Government recently unveiled the program to help provinces and territories assist communities and workers suffering economic hardship caused by the current volatility in global financial and commodities markets.

"I am pleased to announce that the Government of the Northwest Territories has agreed to be a partner in the Community Development Trust," said Prime Minister Harper. "This major new national initiative will support provincial and territorial efforts to help communities and workers buffeted by international economic turbulence that is beyond their control."

The Government of the Northwest Territories has identified several funding priorities in keeping with the aims of the Community Development Trust, including:

Job training and other educational investments that will allow NWT residents to take advantage of employment opportunities;

Support for communities dependant on the tourism sector; and

Support for communities dependant on the cultural sector of the economy, including the arts, and arts and crafts production.

"NWT residents should be poised and able to take full advantage of tremendous opportunities for development in our territory," said Government Leader Roland. "These funds will help us develop an economy that is balanced, diversified and sustainable, one that can provide jobs and opportunities for residents across the NWT."

The Community Development Trust will be funded with $1 billion from the projected 2007-08 budgetary surplus. A base amount of $10 million will be allocated to each participating province and $3 million to each participating territory. The balance of the funding will be allocated on a per capita basis. The Trust will have a three-year lifespan. The Government of the Northwest Territories has agreed to respect Canada's obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Softwood Lumber Agreement, and the World Trade Organization in administering its portion of the Trust funding.

"In last fall's throne speech, we responded to what we heard from Canadians in all regions of the country and promised more action to stand up for workers and communities in traditional industries," said the Prime Minister. "Working together, Ottawa and all the provinces and territories can turn the economic challenges we face today into economic opportunities for all Canadians tomorrow."

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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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MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER HARPER TO MARK COMMONWEALTH DAY

March 10, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following statement to mark Commonwealth Day:

"Canada is proud to reaffirm its commitment to the Commonwealth on this day. The Commonwealth brings together a diverse family of nations who are united through a common tradition and commitment to democratic principles and values.

Canada values its membership in the Commonwealth because it provides opportunities to work with 52 member countries, representing 30 per cent of the world's population -- from a broad range of faiths, races, cultures and traditions -- to enhance understanding and promote practical cooperation in dealing with global challenges, notably under its twin pillars of democracy and development.

Canada particularly values the Commonwealth's work with member states to build relevant and accountable democratic practices and institutions, whether through the quiet diplomacy work of its Office of the Secretary-General or through its mechanisms such as the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.

It is fitting that the Commonwealth has selected the theme 'The Environment: Our Future' for this year's Commonwealth Day. At last fall's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Uganda, leaders agreed to a substantive statement on climate change. The statement encourages member countries to work towards an agreement on collective, comprehensive and global action through the work of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

We look forward to continuing our work with our Commonwealth partners in upholding the Commonwealth's core values in the pursuit of democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law."

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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 DELIVERS ON COMMITMENT TO THE "NEW NORTH"

March 10, 2008
Yellowknife, NWT

During his fifth official visit to Canada's North since taking office two years ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today highlighted Canada's North as one of the Government's top political and economic priorities. In a luncheon address to the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, the Prime Minister outlined the Government's four-point Northern Strategy focussed on strengthening Canada's Arctic sovereignty; protecting the fragile northern environment; promoting economic and social development; and giving Northerners more control over their economic and political destiny.

"We have developed a comprehensive vision for a new North, a Northern Strategy that will turn potential into prosperity for the benefit of all Northerners and all Canadians," said Prime Minister Harper.

Building on the work of the last two years, Budget 2008 supports the Northern Strategy with new initiatives, including:

The procurement of a new Polar class icebreaker;

Carrying out comprehensive mapping of our Arctic and Atlantic seabed in support of Canada's submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf;

A commercial harbour to be built in Pangnirtung;

Funding over the next two taxation years to increase the maximum daily residency deduction by 10 per cent under the Northern Residents Deduction;

Extension of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit; and

Support for geological mapping, primarily focussed in Canada's North.

"As Canadians, we see ourselves as a Northern people. The great white North is as much a part of Canada's identity as the red maple leaf," said Prime Minister Harper. "We're committed to helping the region and its residents realize their true potential."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Notice (REVISED)

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

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Public events for March 11, 2008

March 10, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Tuesday, March 11th are:

Vancouver

10:00 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will meet with Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell.

Lobby of the Office Complex
World Trade Center
999 Canada Place
Vancouver, British Columbia

*Photo Opportunity Only *

Note: Members of the media will need proper ID to be accredited.

12:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will address the Business Council of British Columbia

Bayshore Grand Ballroom
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC
V6G 2V4

*Open to Media *

Note: Members of the media will need proper ID to be accredited.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]

Notice

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

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Public events for March 11, 2008

March 10, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Tuesday, March 11th are:

Vancouver

10:00 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will meet with Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell.

Lobby of the Office Complex
World Trade Center
999 Canada Place
Vancouver, British Columbia

*Photo Opportunity Only *

Note: Members of the media will need proper ID to be accredited.

12:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will address the Vancouver Business Council.

Bayshore Grand Ballroom
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC
V6G 2V4

*Open to Media *

Note: Members of the media will need proper ID to be accredited.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]