Statement

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

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

August 22, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Governor General of Canada to Attend Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will represent Canada at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, to be held on September 6, 2008.

"We are very proud that this year 150 Canadian athletes will participate in the Paralympic Summer Games", said Prime Minister Harper. "The Government of Canada believes that participation in sport is part of a healthy lifestyle and contributes to a healthy society. We continue to play a leading role in promoting the inclusion of persons with a disability in sport".

From September 7 to 10, the Governor General will visit Beijing and will travel to Sichuan Province, site of last May's disastrous earthquake. In Sichuan Province, the Governor General will meet with people affected by the earthquake and visit humanitarian and emergency reconstruction projects supported by Canada.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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