Media Advisory

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

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Public events for March 3, 2011

March 2, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

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

Toronto

1:15 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will hold a photo opportunity. He will be joined by Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Senator Don Meredith.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front Street West
Toronto, Ontario

*Photo opportunity only (cameras and photographers only)

NOTES:

• Media must present proper identification for accreditation.
• Media are asked to arrive by 12:30 p.m.
• Media are asked to use the North Building, West entrance.
• Media will be bussed to the photo-op location.

Toronto

2:15 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make an announcement. He will be joined by Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Senator Don Meredith.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front Street West
Toronto, Ontario

*Open to media

NOTES:

• Media must present proper identification for accreditation.
• Media are asked to use the North Building, West entrance.
• Satellite trucks are asked to bring additional cabling.

Toronto

3:30 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will hold a roundtable meeting. He will be joined by Senator Don Meredith.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front Street West
Toronto, Ontario

*Photo opportunity off the top

NOTES:

• Media must present proper identification for accreditation.
• Media should arrive no later than 3:15 p.m.
• Media are asked to use the North Building, West entrance.

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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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PM announces humanitarian aid for Libya

March 2, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada is delivering up to $5 million in humanitarian aid to support the Libyan people.

"Canada is acting swiftly to help meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Libya which are a result of recent violence in that country," said Prime Minister Harper. "We are taking action to provide immediate humanitarian support to areas that need it most."

Since February 16, the Libyan regime's response to the popular uprising has resulted in the death of hundreds of people. In addition, tens of thousands of people are now fleeing the violence, crossing into Tunisia and Egypt; many more are unable to leave their homes and villages.

Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will help to address urgent medical requirements, basic humanitarian needs, and the repatriation of people displaced into Tunisia and Egypt.

Canada's help will include improving access to food, water, sanitation, shelter and emergency medical care.

The initial contribution being announced today will support humanitarian efforts through the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of the Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration.

The development assistance being announced today is one of several measures that our Government is taking, in concert with the international community, to help address the current crisis in Libya.

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

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

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Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the assassination of Pakistani Minister Shahbaz Bhatti

March 2, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement expressing his condolences after the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's Minister of Minorities:

"On behalf of our Government and Canadians across the country, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, and to the Pakistani people in the wake of his assassination. His death is a loss to the people of Pakistan and all those who shared his commitment to the promotion of tolerance and religious freedoms in that country.

"I had the honour of meeting Minister Bhatti last month and was greatly inspired by his courageous work in support of minority communities and human rights in Pakistan. Canada also shares a unique link with the Bhatti family, as Shabaz's brother, Peter Bhatti, is a Canadian citizen. Canada will remember and honour Minister Bhatti's legacy of working for a peaceful, tolerant Pakistan.

"Canada stands against those who commit gutless acts of murderous violence and extremism, and calls for the Pakistani authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

"Canada also continues to urge Pakistan to prevent the abuse of its blasphemy laws, which restrict freedom of religion and expression and have disproportionately targeted religious minorities, and to protect individuals who choose to speak out on these issues."

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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 of Canada on the assassination of Pakistani Minister Shahbaz Bhatti

March 2, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement expressing his condolences after the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan's Minister of Minorities:

"On behalf of our Government and Canadians across the country, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, and to the Pakistani people in the wake of his assassination. His death is a loss to the people of Pakistan and all those who shared his commitment to the promotion of tolerance and religious freedoms in that country.

"I had the honour of meeting Minister Bhatti last month and was greatly inspired by his courageous work in support of minority communities and human rights in Pakistan. Canada also shares a unique link with the Bhatti family, as Shabaz's brother, Peter Bhatti, is a Canadian citizen. Canada will remember and honour Minister Bhatti's legacy of working for a peaceful, tolerant Pakistan.

"Canada stands against those who commit gutless acts of murderous violence and extremism, and calls for the Pakistani authorities bring those responsible to justice.

"Canada also continues to urge Pakistan to prevent the abuse of its blasphemy laws, which restrict freedom of religion and expression and have disproportionately targeted religious minorities, and to protect individuals who choose to speak out on these issues."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Media Advisory

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

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Public events for March 2, 2011

March 2, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public event for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Wednesday, March 2nd is:

Ottawa

3:05 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will hold a photo opportunity. He will be joined by Rick Hansen.

Office of the Prime Minister
Centre Block
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario

*Photo opportunity only (cameras and photographers only)

NOTES:

• Media must present proper identification for accreditation.
  
• Media are asked to gather in the Foyer of the House of Commons no later than 2:50 p.m.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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