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News Release

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

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PM announces assistance to New Zealand earthquake recovery

March 3, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced Canada's contribution to help New Zealand with relief and recovery efforts following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the Canterbury region on February 22, 2011.

"Canadians were deeply saddened and shocked by the terrible toll this disaster has taken on the people of New Zealand," Prime Minister Harper said. "Canada is happy to provide assistance to help the people of Christchurch and the rest of the Canterbury region recover from this tragedy."

Prime Minister Harper has spoken with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key about the devastating earthquake that has affected so many New Zealanders. Canada is proud to make a $500,000 contribution to the Government of New Zealand's Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, launched on February 27.

The donations received through this global appeal will be used to help the communities, families and people of Christchurch and the rest of the Canterbury region in the ongoing recovery effort. The Appeal is designed to complement pre-existing organizations such as the New Zealand Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The Government of New Zealand has expressed its intention to work alongside these organisations to make sure the funds are used effectively.

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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 passing of James Travers

March 3, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the passing of James Travers:

"I was deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of James Travers.

"Former editor-in-chief of the Ottawa Citizen and columnist for the Toronto Star, James was a leader in his craft. Whether in Ottawa, Zimbabwe, Cyprus, or throughout Africa and the Middle East, James exemplified the professionalism and integrity that are the foundations of good journalism. His passing is a significant loss to the Canadian journalism community.

"On behalf of myself, Laureen and all Canadians I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Joan and his two sons, Patrick and Ben.

"The thoughts and prayers of all Canadians are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

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News Release

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

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PM announces education support for at-risk youth

Canada's Economic Action Plan

March 3, 2011
Toronto, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced support for Pathways to Education Canada, a charitable organization dedicated to reducing poverty and its effects by increasing access to post-secondary education for disadvantaged youth. He was joined by Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Senator Don Meredith. This investment will help young Canadians achieve academic success while gaining vital life skills and knowledge.

"Our Government is investing in inner-city youth, to help them get a good education and build better futures," said Prime Minister Harper. "Today's investment is helping Pathways to Education Canada expand their programming to new communities across the country which will help youth achieve their dreams."

Launched in 2001 by the Regent Park Community Health Centre in Toronto, Pathways to Education provides tutoring, mentoring and financial assistance, which helps students tackle challenges both inside and outside the classroom. The program – which currently operates in 11 communities in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba – distinguishes itself by the fact that it relies on volunteers to engage with youth and serve as mentors and role models.

Since its introduction, Pathways has established a track-record of reducing high school drop-out rates and increasing student enrolment at inner-city high schools. Graduates of the program – who have now completed university and are giving back to their communities – are a testament to the program's success.

Approximately 3,400 students currently receive support from Pathways to Education Canada while more than 700 more have graduated from its programs.

The Harper Government's support will enable Pathways to strengthen its existing initiatives and reach out to more students in other cities.

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Backgrounder

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

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Pathways to Education Canada

Canada's Economic Action Plan

March 3, 2011
Toronto, Ontario

Pathways to Education Canada is a charitable organization dedicated to reducing poverty and its effects by lowering the high school drop-out rate and increasing access to post-secondary education for disadvantaged youth.

Working closely with community-based partners, Pathways provides tutoring, mentoring, financial assistance and advocacy in order to ensure that young people successfully complete high school, continue on to post-secondary programs and participate in the jobs of today and tomorrow. The program distinguishes itself by the fact that it relies on volunteers to engage with youth, and serve as mentors and role models.

The Harper Government's funding – in the amount of $20 million over four years – delivers on a Budget 2010 commitment and will enable Pathways to Education Canada to strengthen its existing programming and reach out to more students by expanding its activities to other cities.

The Pathways to Education program was first launched in 2001 by the Regent Park Community Health Centre in Toronto. Since then, the community has witnessed a dramatic rise in the number of students attending – and completing – post-secondary education. Most notably, the high school drop-out rate among program participants has fallen from 56 per cent to under 10 per cent.

In the decade since its introduction, Pathways' award-winning program has also established a track-record of reducing high school drop-out rates and increasing student enrolment at inner-city high schools in other provinces. It now operates in ten additional communities, including seven in Ontario, (Lawrence Heights, Rexdale, Scarborough, Hamilton, Kitchener, Ottawa, Kingston), as well as one in Quebec (Verdun), Nova Scotia (Halifax) and Manitoba (Winnipeg).

Approximately 3,400 students currently receive support from Pathways to Education Canada while more than 700 have graduated from its programs.

The Harper Government believes that education is key to helping Canada's youth build better and stronger futures for themselves and their communities. Support for this program is part of our Government's ongoing efforts to create the best-educated, most skilled and most flexible labour force in the world.

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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 4, 2011

March 3, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public event for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Friday, March 4th is:

Gatineau, Quebec

7:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will deliver remarks. He will be joined by Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation; and S.M. Gavai, High Commissioner of India.

Canadian Museum of Civilization
100 Laurier Street
Gatineau, Quebec

* Open to media

NOTES:

• Media must present proper identification for accreditation.
  
• Media should bring lenses appropriate for a 50 foot shot.
  
• Media are asked to arrive no later than 6:45 p.m.

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News Release

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

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PM announces change in the senior ranks of the Public Service

March 3, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the following change in the senior ranks of the Public Service:

Bob Hamilton, currently Associate Deputy Minister of the Environment, becomes Senior Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board, effective March 7, 2011.

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Backgrounder

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

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Bob Hamilton

March 3, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

EDUCATION

Master's of Economics, University of Western Ontario
Bachelor of Economics, University of Western Ontario

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Since January 2009
Associate Deputy Minister of the Environment

2008
Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board

2005 - 2008
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Tax Policy Branch, Department of Finance

2003 - 2005
Assistant Deputy Minister, Tax Policy Branch, Department of Finance

1995 - 2003
Assistant Deputy Minister, Financial Sector Policy Branch, Department of Finance

1995
General Director, Financial Sector Policy Branch, Department of Finance

1991 - 1995
Assistant Director, then Director, Business Income Tax Division, Tax Policy and Legislation Branch, Department of Finance

1985 - 1991
Officer, then Chief, Sales Tax Division, Tax Policy and Legislation Branch, Department of Finance

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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 Canada's successful bid to host Women's World Cup events

March 3, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement regarding Canada's successful bid to host two Women's World Cup Soccer events by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA):

"Canada is proud to have won the right to host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 as well as the under 20 championship for 2014.

"We have an exceptional national women's soccer program, and it will be exciting to see our team compete here, before enthusiastic Canadian fans. Hosting these tournaments will further enhance Canada's reputation as a sporting country and allow us to showcase several cities to a global television audience.

"Our Government was an active supporter of the Canadian Soccer Association's bid. Like all fans, we look forward to cheering for our outstanding women's teams at home, in 2014 and 2015.

"In the meantime, I would like to wish good luck to our Women's National Team as it prepares to go to Germany and compete in this year's tournament."

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