News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTERS MEET TO DISCUSS STRENGTHENING OF CANADA-FRANCE RELATIONS

July 2, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed Prime Minister François Fillon of France to Ottawa for a one-day working visit. The two prime ministers met to discuss issues of importance to Canada and France, including Afghanistan, the upcoming G8 Summit, October's Francophonie Summit in Quebec City and the Canada-European Union Summit, to be held in Canada this fall. Prime Minister Fillon's visit coincides with the beginning of France's six-month term where it holds the EU Council Presidency.

"I am pleased to have met with Prime Minister Fillon and to have furthered our bilateral relations through the discussion of key issues of interest to our two countries," said Prime Minister Harper. "Canada and France are important partners on the world stage, and I am pleased we have had the chance to work closely together ahead of the Canada-European Union Summit and the Francophonie Summit."

The two prime ministers also discussed issues such as international efforts to combat climate change and the possible launch of negotiations on a closer economic partnership between Canada and the EU. At the conclusion of their meetings, the two leaders signed a declaration covering four memorandums of understanding (MOU), designed to strengthen relations between Canada and France.

"Signing these arrangements highlights Canada's rich relationship with France, and will generate concrete benefits for the people of both our countries," said Prime Minister Harper. "These arrangements will help us to deepen our cooperation with France in cutting-edge areas of scientific research."

The MOU are between Health Canada and the French Food Safety Agency, MITACS (Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems) and the French National Institute for Research in Computer Science; the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada and the French Atomic Energy Commission; and between the NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program and OSEO, the French government's support program for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The day following his arrival in Ottawa, Prime Minister Fillon will travel to Quebec City to participate in the July 3 opening ceremonies for the city's 400th anniversary, which will be celebrated across Canada.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Notice

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

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Public events for July 3, 2008

July 2, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Thursday, July 3rd are:

10:40 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will give brief remarks at the Cérémonie du Salut à Champlain. He will be joined by Ministers and members of the Conservative caucus.

Statue de Samuel de Champlain
Terrace Dufferin
Adjacent to Fairmont Château Frontenac
1, Rue des Carrières
Québec City, Québec
G1R 4P5

*Open to media*


3:30 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will attend the Spectacle Commemoratif "Rencontres." He will be joined by Ministers and members of the Conservative caucus.

National Assembly of Québec
1045, rue des Parlementaires
Québec City, Québec
G1A 1A4

*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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PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES CANADA'S NEW TOP SOLDIER

July 2, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper participated in the official Canadian Forces Change of Command Ceremony today as the position of Chief of the Defence Staff passed from General Rick Hillier to General Walter Natynczyk.

"The office of the Chief of the Defence Staff embodies the skill, dedication, and professionalism that have been the hallmarks of the Canadian Forces throughout its glorious history," said Prime Minister Harper. "Today's ceremony is about ensuring the continuity of one of our most essential national institutions, the ultimate guardian of Canada's sovereignty, security, and place in the world."

To that end, the Government of Canada has created the Canada First Defence Strategy, a comprehensive plan to modernize the Canadian Forces. "Today the task of implementing this Strategy passes from one outstanding Canadian soldier to another," the Prime Minister said. "I thank General Hillier for his strong leadership and congratulate him on his success in transforming the Canadian Forces and restoring our military to pride of place in Canadian life."

"And I thank General Natynczyk for accepting the challenge to lead the Canadian Forces," Prime Minister Harper added. "I know he will fulfill his duties with the consummate skill, dedication and professionalism he has displayed throughout his career."

"Finally, on behalf of all Canadians, I thank every man and woman who has chosen to wear the uniform of the Canadian Forces," the Prime Minister concluded. "It is you who stand on guard for our True North strong and free."

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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)]