Prime Minister's Office News Feed

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2011-09-16T01:00:00.000-06:00

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Media Advisory

2011-09-15T13:41:00.000-06:00

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

Public events for September 16, 2011

September 15, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Friday September 16^thare:

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

9:30 a.m.– Prime Minister Stephen Harper will participate in a photo opportunity.

University of Saskatchewan
120 Veterinary Road
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 5E3

*Photo opportunity only (Cameras and photographers only)

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media must arrive no later than 08:45h through VIDO main entrance.
Media parking is located at POS Pilot Plant Corporation paved lot.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

10:00 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will participate in an event at the University of Saskatchewan.

University of Saskatchewan
120 Veterinary Road
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 5E3

* Open to media

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media must arrive no later than 08:45h through VIDO main entrance.
Media parking is located at POS Pilot Plant Corporation paved lot
Media should bring lenses appropriate to cover a distance of 45 feet.

PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555 PMO Staff Onsite: Sara MacIntyre, Press Secretary & Carl Vallée, Deputy Press Secretary

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Backgrounder

2011-09-11T13:09:00.001-06:00

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

The British Garden

September 11, 2011
New York City, New York

The British Garden at Hanover Square is a New York City park, a gift to the City of New York and its people from the Anglo-American community and its friends.

The Garden is privately run by The British Garden Memorial Trust, Inc., and is located near Ground Zero. It was created to honour the British victims of the September 11 attacks and to celebrate the historic ties of friendship and unity between the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Garden features City of London style bollards, paving quarried in Scotland and Wales and benches produced in England that were completed in Northern Ireland.

The center stone of the Garden was dedicated on November 1, 2005, by Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales (the Garden's Royal Patron) and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Garden was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2010. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the British Memorial Garden Trust extended an invitation to recognize the Canadian, Australian and other Commonwealth victims of the September 11 attacks in the memorial. The Garden will be appropriately renamed to recognize this expansion.

Each year on September 11, The British Garden holds a memorial concert event attended by families of victims, related key figures, and the general public.

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News Release

2011-09-11T13:09:00.000-06:00

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

PM honours Canadian victims of 9/11

September 11, 2011
New York City, New York

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today honoured the Canadian victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by participating in a memorial in New York City.

"Today, as we recall the senseless and cowardly attacks of September 11, we honour and mourn those Canadians who died on that tragic day," said Prime Minister Harper. "I would also like to extend my gratitude to the British Garden Memorial Trust for their initiative to expand the garden as a memorial to Canadian victims – a place where families, friends and Canadians will be able to pay their respects for years to come."

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people died in horrific acts of terrorism in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. To honour the British victims of these attacks, the Garden was created near Ground Zero. Today, this honour was extended to Canadians and other Commonwealth victims of the attacks as a meaningful gesture of solidarity.

"Though we are not immune to the threat of terrorism, our society is vigilant and resilient. Canada will stand firm with our allies, defending and protecting our democratic values – freedom, human rights and the rule of law – in the hope of a more secure and peaceful world," added Prime Minister Harper.

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Statement

2011-09-11T07:42:00.000-06:00

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

Prime Minister Harper marks 10^th anniversary of 9/11

September 11, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the 10^th anniversary of the September 11^th terrorist attacks in the United States:

"Ten years ago today, nearly 3,000 innocent lives – including 24 Canadians – were taken in horrific acts of terrorism that took place on American soil."

"These senseless and cowardly attacks shattered not only the lives of those who perished, but also of the family and friends of the victims who have had to live with the terrible losses inflicted that day.

"While Canadians share in the grief of all those mourning loved ones lost, we also honour the incredible acts of courage, sacrifice and kindness by those who served in the rescue efforts.

"While we honour and remember those who fell, this day will serve as a constant reminder that we are not immune from terrorism. We will continue to stand firm with our allies to help ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

"Terrorism will not undermine our way of life. We will continue supporting the brave Canadian Armed Forces members and intelligence and police officers who put their lives on the line every day in the fight against the many faces of terrorism. We will steadfastly defend, protect and promote our democratic values and principles; the very foundation of our free and prosperous society.

"It is what the victims would expect and what the families deserve."

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2011-09-10T15:27:00.000-06:00

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2011-09-10T14:08:00.000-06:00

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Media Advisory

2011-09-09T14:19:00.000-06:00

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

Public event for September 11, 2011

September 9, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public event for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Sunday September 11th is:

New York, NY

2:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will deliver remarks at a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

British Garden at Hanover Square
New York, NY 10004

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media will not be permitted inside the garden; however a designated media position has been identified.
Media should assemble at the corner of Pearl Street and Hanover Square.
Media should bring lenses appropriate to cover a distance of 50 feet.

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Statement

2011-09-09T11:26:00.000-06:00

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

Prime Minister Harper declares September 11 a National Day of Service

September 9, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement declaring September 11 a National Day of Service:

"Nearly a decade ago, the world was shaken by a series of senseless and cowardly terrorist attacks that took place in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

"On this tenth anniversary of 9/11, we honour the nearly three thousand innocent people from 90 countries who lost their lives in the attacks and pay respect to their family and friends who still suffer with the losses of that horrible tragedy.

"It is equally important to recall the incredible acts of courage, sacrifice and kindness by Canadians on and following that infamous day – acts like a community of 10,000 in Gander hosting several thousand diverted air passengers and treating them like part of their families; the selfless service of civilian and military volunteers who continue to stand up in the face of terrorism; and the outpouring of Canadian support in the aftermath of the attacks.

"I hope that this National Day of Service, observed hereafter on September 11, will inspire Canadians to once more show the same kind of compassion to strangers in need, by engaging on that day in charitable activities, fundraisers and community service for worthy causes across the country.

"It is a fitting way to pay tribute to the Canadians and others who were lost in 9/11, to show continued support for the families of victims, to honour the sacrifices made by those who served in the rescue efforts, and to turn an infamous date into a day of hope marked by a communal outpouring of warmth and generosity."

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News Release

2011-09-09T07:20:00.000-06:00

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

PM to visit New York City on 10^th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

September 9, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will travel to New York City to mark the 10^th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"On this day, we will pay tribute to Canadians, Americans and all those who lost their lives nearly 10 years ago in these heinous attacks," said the Prime Minister. "As we pay tribute to the victims and their loved ones, we also honour members of the military, law enforcement and intelligence personnel who continue to fight on the front lines against all forms of terrorism."

On September 10, Prime Minister Harper will travel to New York City to attend a private reception for Canadian victims' families to show his support for those affected by the senseless and tragic attacks.

On September 11, Prime Minister Harper will commemorate the Canadian victims of the 9/11 terror attacks at a memorial at the British Garden in New York City.

"Together with our friends and allies, our Government will continue to stand firm against the threat of global terrorism. We will remain vigilant and work relentlessly in the hope of a more secure and peaceful future," added Prime Minister Harper.

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2011-09-09T02:00:00.000-06:00

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2011-09-08T22:58:00.000-06:00

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Statement

2011-09-08T12:29:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada to his National Caucus

September 8, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks to his National Caucus:

"Friends, colleagues – it's good to see all of you.

"I know you've all been busy over the summer, as I have been.

"We've been talking with voters about their priorities and concerns, and with all Canadians about our Government's plan for tax relief to create jobs and growth.

"While I hope you got some downtime with your families, I know we've all stayed focused on the economy.

"Canada continues to do well relative to most other advanced economies.

"Since July 2009, the Canadian economy has created nearly 600,000 net new jobs.

"But, unfortunately, as we have been reminded this summer, the global economy remains fragile.

"This is a fact to which I have made repeated reference, and which has informed our decisions all along.

"And so as Parliament resumes this fall, our Government will continue taking action to protect the financial security of hard-working Canadians and to help create jobs now and for the years to come.

"Friends, in managing the economy, circumstances demand that we will listen carefully to Canadians and that we be flexible when necessary.

"At the same time, as we have always done, we will work prudently and responsibly, acting on the clear and strong mandate we received from Canadians.

"Our first priority is to move our economic recovery forward, and ensure Canada's economy continues to create jobs.

"As provided for in our Budget, the next phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan will continue helping seniors, students, new Canadians, older workers and businesses trying to avoid layoffs.

"We will continue helping job creators, through a hiring credit for small businesses and a tax incentive for manufacturers, among other measures to encourage employment now.

"As well, we are making new investments in innovation, training and higher education in order to create jobs in the years to come.

"As you know we will also follow through on our plan to eliminate the deficit, to protect Canada's strong fiscal position and help ensure long-term economic growth.

"To that end, we will keep working hard to open new markets for Canadian products, attract investment to Canada and create jobs for Canadians.

"We will take action with the Obama Administration to keep our access to the American market as open as possible and as secure as possible.

"And we will continue and increase and diversify our trade access the world over, to create jobs and opportunities here in Canada for our children and grandchildren.

"And of course, while remaining focused on the economy, we will also take other action on other key priorities as outlined in our Platform.

"My friends, to conclude, let us always remember the noble cause to which our party is dedicated: protecting and promoting our great country in this period of extraordinary changes throughout the world.

"We will work hard. We will do what we promised. And we will continue to earn the trust of Canadians.

"And if we are faithful to these things, I believe our Government's best days, and above all, our country's best days, still lie ahead.

"Thank you."

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2011-09-07T07:44:00.000-06:00

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2011-09-07T06:12:00.000-06:00

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2011-09-06T01:08:00.000-06:00

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2011-09-05T22:19:00.000-06:00

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2011-09-02T15:01:00.000-06:00

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2011-09-02T13:53:00.000-06:00

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Statement

2011-09-01T15:35:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada while in Paris, France for a meeting on the future of Libya

September 1, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks while in Paris, France for a meeting on the future of Libya:

"I had two sets of meeting today. First of all we had a smaller meeting with the principal participants in the military mission and the Libyan National Council, and of course we have also had a larger meeting with all of the countries and organizations represented here.

"These discussions with the National Transitional Council on the future of Libya were useful and productive. The key for the NTC is to avoid reprisals, to seek justice through the courts, to repair basic state functions and to begin the transition to a government representative of all Libyans and that speaks for all Libyans.

"To give the NTC the best chance at ensuring the best transition of power it is essential that the Libyan people experience normal life as soon as possible. This will require resources. Therefore our government has today lifted all unilaterally imposed sanctions, unfreezing Libyan assets exclusively under Canadian regulations. More importantly, Canada is calling for the unfreezing of assets currently held under United Nations resolutions and we are working with the UN to achieve this."

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Backgrounder

2011-09-01T14:00:00.001-06:00

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

Canada lifts economic sanctions against Libya

September 1, 2011
Paris, France

On September 1, 2011, the Government of Canada lifted the unilateral economic sanctions it imposed on Libya on February 27, 2011, now that the Gaddafi regime no longer holds power. The Government of Canada has repealed these economic sanctions in support of the Libyan people and the new governing authorities.

On February 26, 2011, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1970 (2011), imposing sanctions against Libya in response to the systematic violation of human rights and use of force against civilians by the country's authorities. The sanctions included an arms embargo on the country, and a travel ban and assets freeze on the family of Muammar Gaddafi and certain government officials.

With the situation in Libya, the Government of Canada wanted to act to implement the measures decided upon by the United Nations Security Council, as well as ban transactions with the Libyan government and its institutions and agencies. On February 27, 2011, the Government of Canada implemented regulations that allowed for the UN Security Council's decisions to be recognized in Canadian domestic law. The regulations allowed for the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council to be extended to include the entire Libyan government by adding "Libya" as a designated entity.

In order to do this, the regulations were enacted under two separate pieces of enabling legislation: the United Nations Act (the UN Act) and the Special Economic Measures Act (the SEMA).

After six months of strenuous opposition, the Gaddafi regime has fallen and the Libyan people are establishing a new future. Canada supports the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people and regards the NTC as Libya's government. In light of the urgent requirement to ensure stabilization, the NTC will need to begin the essential tasks of establishing security throughout the country, and focus on delivering food, medical services and emergency assistance to people in need. The Canadian government expects that the Libyan people will also work together to establish a genuinely inclusive and representative government in Libya, committed to respecting the human rights of all Libyans.

Canada has therefore decided to lift its unilateral sanctions in order to assist the Libyan people transition justly, safely and securely towards a democracy.

The measures imposed against Libya under the authority of the UN Act include:

Prohibitions on the export, sale, and other provision of arms and related materials to Libya;
Prohibitions on the shipment to and from Libya of arms and related material by owners or operators of Canadian vessels or aircraft;
Prohibitions on the provision of technical, financial and other assistance related to military activities or the use of arms and related material;
Prohibitions on the import of arms and related material from Libya; and
Prohibitions on dealings with designated persons.

All the measures imposed by Canada under the authority of the SEMA found in section 8 and 9(b) were repealed on September 1, 2011. In addition, the Special Economic Measures (Libya) Permit Authorization Order has also been repealed.

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News Release

2011-09-01T14:00:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces that Canada has lifted economic sanctions against Libya

September 1, 2011
Paris, France

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada has lifted the unilateral economic sanctions it imposed on Libya on February 27, 2011, now that the Gaddafi regime no longer holds power. The Government of Canada is repealing these economic sanctions in support of the Libyan people and the new governing authorities.

"Canada is taking this first step to remove our unilateral sanctions that were put in place against the Gaddafi Regime in order to assist the Libyan people transition justly, safely and securely towards a democracy," said Prime Minister Harper. "We will continue to work with our international partners and allies to help ensure support for the people of Libya as they chart their own democratic course. "

The sanctions being lifted today restricted Canadian individuals and entities from any dealings with the Libyan government, as well as its institutions and agencies. These sanctions were passed under the Special Economic Measures Act and were in addition to the sanctions imposed by the United Nations in Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973. The sanctions imposed by the UN remain in effect until they are lifted by the United Nations Security Council.

Canada recognizes the NTC as the legitimate representatives of the Libyan people until such time as they elect a new government.

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Statement

2011-09-01T11:19:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada while in Trapani, Italy

September 1, 2011
Trapani, Italy

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks while visiting Canadian Armed Forces in Trapani, Italy:

"Thank you very much, thank you General Bouchard, for your kind introduction.

"I want to thank our Italian hosts. I also want to give greetings to Minister Baird, to Ambassador Fox, to everyone who is with us today.

"Particularly greetings to you, the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

"Indeed, greetings to every member of Canada's Armed Services here today.

"As you will have heard by now, there is a meeting of leaders later today in Paris.

"There, we will take stock of the recent, remarkable progress in Libya and we will discuss that country's future.

"But I wanted to come here first, to thank you personally.

"And to congratulate all of you for a job that has been very well done.

"For without your commitment, your bravery and your actions, there would be no reason to meet later today.

"Nothing to talk about, nothing to plan for, no hope for the Libyan people.

"But, thanks to you, there is new hope.

"Which gives some proof to the old saying: 'a handful of soldiers
is better than a mouthful of arguments.'

"For the Gaddafis of this world pay no attention to the force of argument.

"The only thing they get is the argument of force.

"And that you have delivered in a cause that is good and right.

"And all Canadians thank you for the great job you have been doing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Gaddafi is now out of power – not yet finished – but his remaining control is inexorably ebbing away.

"And history will record this: that it was the good work of Canada's Armed Services – your work – working with our allies, that enabled the Libyan people to remove Gaddafi from power.

"They used to claim that in international affairs, and you've heard the quote many times: 'Canada punched above its weight.'

"Well, to punch above your weight, you first have to be able to punch.

"And that is what you have done here.

"Numbers don't tell the whole story, but it bears repeating that the RCAF has flown – without caveats – more than 750 strike sorties against Gaddafi's forces – a good 10 per cent of the strikes.

"And Canadians should also know that the taking of Tripoli by rebel forces was materially assisted by CF-18 missions clearing away Gaddafi mechanized forces before the rebel advance.

"Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate Charlottetown, and now her sister ship, Vancouver, have done splendid work, also without caveats enforcing the maritime blockade of Gaddafi's forces.

"In other words, in the job of neutralizing Gaddafi, Canada played a part well out of all proportion.

"My friends, that unwavering professionalism reflects the greatest possible credit upon every one of you.

"Last week a NATO official told the world's press that Canada had indeed, and I quote, 'punched above its weight'

"That's what others say.

"This is what I say:

"Soldier for soldier, sailor for sailor, airman for airman, the Canadian Armed Forces are the best in the world.

"Of course, no one claims we have done this alone.

"We are under a UN mandate and part of a NATO force, led with great distinction, I am proud to say, by the Royal Canadian Air Force's own Lieutenant-General Charlie Bouchard.

"And I would be remiss if I did not praise the leaders who are co-chairing this evening's meeting – President Sarkozy and Prime Minister Cameron – for their resolve in guiding the international response to Gaddafi's brutality.

"They have stayed the course.

"And the world – a world which will not include Muammar Gaddafi – will be a better place for it.

"As Canadians, we have not forgotten his complicity in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.

"That vile attack upon a defenseless U.S. airliner took the lives of two Canadians, along with 268 other innocent people.

"But that was routine for Gaddafi. Terrorism was what he did. He bankrolled terrorists
the world over.

"And, of course, Gaddafi terrorized Libyans for 42 years – 42 years, to this very day.

"Therefore, when in March he turned his guns upon his own, reform-minded citizens, he was again acting true to form.

"But this time, the people, even as ill-equipped and poorly organized as they were, would not yield.

"And this is, above all else, their victory.

"And their opportunity for a better future.

"So, as we look ahead, we presume no right to tell the Libyans how they should govern themselves.

"Nor do we have unrealistic expectations.

"There is, I am afraid to say as we were just briefed, still fighting to be done. And undoubtedly, there will be, even after that, very difficult days ahead.

"The National Transitional Council has before it a formidable task.

"It must avoid reprisals.

"It must repair the most basic functions.

"And the Council must create a representative government that speaks for all Libyans.

"But because you held the ring while Libyans fought their own fight with their oppressor, the Libyan people are now free to choose.

"This is the best of Canada's military tradition.

"For we are not a country that makes war for gain or for territory.

"We do not fight for glory.

"And if we covet honour, it is only a reputation for doing the right thing in a good cause.

"That is all. And that is enough.

"So, let me leave you with this: just as Canadians thank you for your work here, I know that countless thousands of Libyans have reason to be grateful too.

"Few will ever know you by name.

"Some may not even yet be born.

"But if Libya can seize the opportunity that now lies before it, the real results of your actions these past five months will be seen in little things.

"Things we in Canada take for granted in our country.

"Families going about their lives without fear. Children, for the first time, with hope for the future.

"Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly – the freedom of simply being left alone.

"You will never know them, but in their silent gratitude for a better life, you can take great pride.

"Just as all Canadians can take pride in the difference that you have made.

"Congratulations, and on behalf of all of us, thank you and God bless all of you. God bless Canada."

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Media Advisory

2011-08-30T19:27:00.000-06:00

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

Public events for August 31, 2011

August 30, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public event for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Wednesday August 31st is:

Ottawa, Ontario

8:30 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will participate in a brief photo opportunity before his departure for Trapani, Italy and Paris, France.

Canadian Reception Centre
Hangar 11
190 Convair Private
Ottawa, Ontario

* Photo opportunity only (Cameras and photographers only)

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media are asked to arrive no later than 8:00 a.m.

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Statement

2011-08-30T08:51:00.000-06:00

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

Prime Minister of Canada marks Eid al-Fitr – the end of the holy fasting month

August 30, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Eid al-Fitr:

"On this important occasion, Muslims in Canada and around the world mark the end of Ramadan by celebrating Eid al-Fitr – known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, which is also the start of a three-day feast.

"In communities across Canada, Muslims celebrate this time of joy and compassion with their families and friends by gathering to pray, give to the less fortunate and exchange gifts.

"Canadians are proud to live in a nation which embraces cultures and religions from around the world, a country where we learn from one another and work together to build a more peaceful, prosperous and united Canada.

"Our country is home to a vibrant community of more than 500,000 Muslims, who play a vital role in enriching our diverse society and helping make Canada stronger in all areas of endeavour. The end of Ramadan is a time to reflect on their contributions.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my most heartfelt wishes for health and happiness to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr.

"Eid Mubarak."

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Backgrounder

2011-08-28T12:12:00.001-06:00

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

Abbotsford's Gur Sikh Temple celebrates its 100^th anniversary

August 28, 2011
Abbotsford, British Columbia

The Gur Sikh Temple – also known as the Abbotsford Sikh Temple – is the longest-standing Sikh temple in North America. The celebration of its 100^th anniversary is an opportunity to remember the brave pioneers who built the foundations of the Sikh community in Canada and pay tribute to the enormous contributions that generations of Sikh immigrants and their descendants have made to our country.

The construction of the Abbotsford Sikh Temple was a collective effort by early Sikh settlers in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Sunder Singh Thandi organized the project and, along with Argin Singh, purchased a property. The Trethewey family, owners of the Abbotsford Lumber Company sawmill, donated the lumber, while the community raised the remaining funds for the project. Construction of the Gur Sikh Temple was completed in 1911, and it officially opened in February 1912. It soon became the spiritual and physical centre of the community, with Sikhs purchasing land and building homes nearby.

Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002, the temple embodies the courage, hardships and perseverance of Sikh pioneers, as well as their success in retaining their religious beliefs, while adapting to new conditions and integrating into Canadian society. The architecture of the structure is a good example of that adaptation as it respects Sikh traditions while making practical changes to suit local conditions. Like many buildings on the Canadian frontier, the temple has a wooden frame and gabled roof, while its interior reflects Sikh traditions and religious beliefs. The prayer room houses the sacred text, the Guru Granth Sahib and the ground floor contains a kitchen and a dining room where the communal langar meal is prepared and eaten.

To celebrate the centennial of the Gur Sikh Temple, the Government has provided $87,950 to several infrastructure projects and activities through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program. Funding will be used to build a museum within the temple, a mural and monument commemorating its creation, as well as a new gate to the Gurdwara – or temple. A series of artistic and cultural activities will also be held, enabling local residents to celebrate the historic anniversary along with the Sikh community.

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News Release

2011-08-28T12:12:00.000-06:00

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

Prime Minister Harper celebrates the centennial of Abbotsford's historic Gur Sikh Temple

August 28, 2011
Abbotsford, British Columbia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today visited the Gur Sikh Temple in Abbotsford, B.C., as part of the year-long centennial celebrations of North America's longest-standing Sikh temple.

"It is an honour for me to be here today to celebrate the Gur Sikh Temple's 100^th anniversary," said the Prime Minister. "On this occasion, we reflect on the tremendous contributions of the Sikh community in Canada – a community that continues to play an important role in building our strong, dynamic society while taking great pride in their faith and traditions."

Also known as the Abbotsford Sikh Temple, the Gur Sikh Temple is a reminder of the religious, social and political role that temples played in Canada's earliest Sikh communities. The Temple embodies the courage, hardships and perseverance of Sikh pioneers, as well as their success in retaining their religious beliefs, while adapting to new conditions and integrating into Canadian society. The Gur Sikh Temple was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002.

To celebrate this special milestone, the Government has contributed to several infrastructure projects and activities through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program. Funding will be used to build a museum within the temple, a mural and monument commemorating its creation, as well as a new gate to the Gurdwara – or temple. A series of artistic and cultural activities will also be held, enabling local residents to celebrate this historic anniversary along with the Sikh community.

Canada is home to more than 300,000 Sikhs. Their extraordinary success in every field of endeavour – including business, science, medicine, the arts and politics – has helped shape the strong and dynamic country we know today.

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Media Advisory

2011-08-27T21:18:00.000-06:00

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

Public events for August 28, 2011

August 27, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Sunday August 28th are:

Abbotsford, British Columbia

10:00 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will participate in the 100th anniversary of the Gur Sikh Temple. He will be joined by Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway; James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages; Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform); Chuck Strahl, former Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; Member of Parliament Mark Warawa; Member of Parliament Randy Kamp; and Member of Parliament Nina Grewal.

Gur Sikh Temple
33094 South Fraser Way
Abbotsford, BC

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media should arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.

Surrey, British Columbia

1:00 p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will attend Senator Gerry St. Germain's Annual BBQ. He will be joined by Senator Gerry St. Germain and James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Senator St. Germain's Ranch
Surrey, BC

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media are asked to park at Hazelmere RV Park (18843 8th Ave, Surrey, BC, Canada) and use shuttle provided to event site.
Media should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m.

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2011-08-26T21:02:00.000-06:00

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2011-08-26T19:35:00.000-06:00

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Backgrounder

2011-08-26T14:14:00.000-06:00

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

Kluane National Park

August 26, 2011
Haines Junction, Yukon

Kluane National Park and Reserve of Canada is located in Yukon and covers over 21,000 km² of the Territory's area. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the park contains part of the largest non-polar ice field in the world and contains examples of some of the world's longest and most spectacular glaciers. Kluane National Park is also home to Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, and the second highest in North America.

A section of the park is in the traditional territories of Kluane First Nation and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, who are jointly responsible for the management of its resources, along with Parks Canada.

The Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre in Haines Junction, Yukon, acts as the primary staging site for activities, and offers displays and information for all those wishing to learn more about the Park. The Centre is operated by Parks Canada.

In support of the new visitor centre, the Government is investing up to $5 million over two years (2009-2011) under the Economic Action Plan's Improving Parks Canada's National Historic Sites and Visitor Facilities program. In addition, a contribution of $4 million over three years (2009-2012) is being provided through Infrastructure Canada's Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund program towards the construction of the Dä Kų Cultural Centre, in which the visitor centre will be housed.

Multiple activities are available to the park's visitors, such as hiking, cycling and mountain biking, fishing, flightseeing, motor boating and canoeing. Kluane National Park also appeals to the more adventurous visitors by offering rafting on the Alsek River and mountaineering.

Every summer, a range of interpretive programs, including campfire talks, guided walks and special events, allow visitors to further discover Kluane National Park.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-26T14:05:00.000-06:00

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

Kluane National Park Visitor Centre and the Dä Kų Cultural Centre

August 26, 2011
Haines Junction, Yukon

On August 26, 2011, Prime Minister Harper visited the joint construction site of the new Kluane National Park Visitor Centre and the Dä Kų Cultural Centre in Haines Junction, Yukon. Both centres are located on traditional Champagne and Aishihik First Nations traditional land near Kluane National Park. The visitor centre, which will be housed in the cultural centre, is expected to be completed next spring, with an official opening planned for June 21, 2012, on National Aboriginal Day.

Visitor Centre

The Kluane National Park Visitor Centre will include both the Government of Yukon and Parks Canada tourism centres, offering a wide range of visitor services, such as insight into the park's natural and cultural history – including the history and culture of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations – as well as information on hiking and other activities. The new Parks Canada visitor centre will employ 8 individuals.

To develop the visitor centre, the Government of Canada is investing up to $5 million over two years (2009-2011) under the Economic Action Plan's Improving Parks Canada's National Historic Sites and Visitor Facilities program.

Cultural Centre

The Dä Kų Cultural Centre will display and help preserve the traditions, languages and arts of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and act as a gathering place for the community.
The Government of Canada and the Yukon Government each contributed $4 million over three years (2009-2012) towards the construction of the cultural centre through Infrastructure Canada's Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund program.

The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations financed the remaining costs of the joint facility by obtaining investments on their own and through lease agreements with the Government of Yukon and Parks Canada. The total project value is expected to exceed $14 million.

Benefits

Both centres are expected to provide broad economic and social development opportunities for the Haines Junction region, strengthen First Nations culture, and contribute to the health and well-being of the community.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-26T13:41:00.000-06:00

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

Tourism industry in Northern Canada

August 26, 2011
Haines Junction, Yukon

For many years, Northern Canada has been a major draw for both domestic and international tourists. Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, which bring in hundreds of millions in revenues. Northern Canada is particularly appealing to visitors looking to experience traditional ways of life through Aboriginal culture.

In cooperation with territorial governments, the Government has introduced several measures to promote economic development opportunities in the North, including many that are focused on tourism.

In 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan provided $50 million over five years to establish the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). With tourism as one of its primary long-term targets, the agency invested, in June and July 2011 alone, more than $1.2 million to help build tourism capacity in the North. These investments are creating jobs and opportunities for businesses in the region.

Through the Canadian Tourism Commission, several Northern attractions have been featured as part of a new Signature Experiences Collection program, aimed at promoting tourism businesses in international markets. For instance, visitors can take in a rafting adventure on Alsek River or relive the gold rush at the S.S. Klondike National Historic Site.

Within the northern territories, nine national parks and two national historic sites are administered by Parks Canada report attendance. Due in part by its accessibility, Kluane National Park, Yukon, shows the highest attendance of any other site in northern Canada, with more than 47,000 visitors in 2010-2011, accounting for 55% of total attendance to Parks Canada administered locations in the North.

Canada's northern parks and historic sites have seen a general increase in visitors of 18.2% between 2008-2009 and 2010-2011. In 2010-2011, visitation to Parks Canada administered locations in northern Canada was up 8% with 85,781 visitors, compared to 79,630 the previous year. Compared to Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, national parks in Yukon have the highest attendance rate in the North with over 82,000 visitors, or 96.4% of overall visitation. Greatly due to their remote locations, national parks in the Northwest Territories account for 2.8% of Parks Canada attendance in the North, followed by Nunavut with 0.8%.

In July 2011, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, was highlighted on the world stage when their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, arrived by seaplane, met Canadian Rangers and paddled a canoe across scenic Blachford Lake to one of its many islands.

Looking ahead, the Canadian Tourism Commission will host the GoMedia Canada Marketplace in Yukon in May 2012. This key networking event for the tourism industry, which brings together top Canadian and international media and travel journalists, will take place north of 60° for the first time in history.

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News Release

2011-08-26T13:39:00.000-06:00

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

PM visits site of new Kluane National Park Visitor Centre

EAP Project will promote tourism in Canada's North

August 26, 2011
Haines Junction, Yukon

Prime Minister Harper today visited the joint construction site of both the new Kluane National Park Visitor Centre and of the Dä Kų Cultural Centre. Both centres are located just outside Kluane National Park on traditional Champagne and Aishihik First Nations land. The Prime Minister was joined by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski, as well as Member of Parliament Ryan Leef, and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) Chief James Allen.

"Canadians who visit Kluane will fully enjoy the natural beauty that our country has to offer and will be able to learn more about our remarkable First Nations' heritage," said the Prime Minister. "The two new centres being built near spectacular Kluane National Park will give a boost to the local economy through new jobs and tourism revenues."

The visitor centre, which will be housed within the cultural centre, will offer Canadians and international tourists insight into the park's natural and cultural history, information on hiking and other activities, and allow visitors to experience the rich history and culture of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. The Government of Canada supported the new visitor centre through the Economic Action Plan's Improving Parks Canada's National Historic Sites and Visitor Facilities program. Parks Canada will lease the space for the visitor centre from the CAFN.

The Dä Kų Cultural Centre will be used as a community gathering place for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations people – a place where they can celebrate their culture, traditions, languages and arts, and share the wisdom of their Elders with others, including park visitors. The Government of Canada contributed to the construction of the cultural centre under Infrastructure Canada's Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.

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Statement

2011-08-26T09:51:00.000-06:00

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

PM marks 20^th anniversary of re-establishing Canada's ties with Baltic states

August 26, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to mark the 20^th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between Canada and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania:

"Twenty years ago today, on August 26, 1991, Canada announced it would re-establish diplomatic ties with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, after these three nations declared their independence from the Soviet Union.

"As a democratic country, Canada never recognized the Soviet Union's occupation of the Baltic states, and always supported these courageous nations in their struggle for freedom during more than 50 years of oppression.

"Since reclaiming their independence, the Baltic states have made remarkable strides. They have taken their rightful place among the community of free and autonomous nations, entered the European Union, and joined Canada as members of NATO.

"Bilateral ties between Canada and the Baltic states have progressed in the areas of commerce, diplomacy, defence cooperation and people-to-people relations.

"Today, we are proud to count Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania among our most valued friends and allies, and we look forward to a bright future together."

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PM website - you have been resubscribed

2011-08-25T16:47:00.000-06:00

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Media Advisory

2011-08-25T16:41:00.000-06:00

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

Public events for August 26, 2011

August 25, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Friday, August 26th are:

Haines Junction, Yukon

10:05 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will participate in a photo opportunity. He will be joined by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency; John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; Darrell Pasloski, Premier of the Yukon Territory; Senator Daniel Lang; and Member of Parliament Ryan Leef.

Dä Kų Cultural Centre
Haines Junction

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Photo-op – Cameras and photographers only
Media are asked to wear closed-toe shoes.
Media should arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.

Haines Junction, Yukon

10:30 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make an announcement and participate in an aerial tour and possible touch-down at Lowell Glacier. He will be joined by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency; John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; Darrell Pasloski, Premier of the Yukon Territory; Senator Daniel Lang; and Member of Parliament Ryan Leef.

Dä Kų Cultural Centre
Haines Junction

NOTE:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.

PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555
PMO Staff Onsite: Andrew MacDougall, Press Secretary, Carl Vallée Deputy Press Secretary

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PM website - you have been unsubscribed

2011-08-25T15:17:00.000-06:00

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Backgrounder

2011-08-25T12:41:00.000-06:00

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

Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative (THSSI)

August 25, 2011
Yellowknife, NWT

The Government is committed to helping ensure that the North has safe, healthy and prosperous communities.

In keeping with this objective, in 2005 the Government provided the territories with a five-year, $150-million targeted fund, the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative (THSSI), to facilitate the transformation of territorial health systems toward greater responsiveness to Northerners' needs and improved community-level access to services. Budget 2010 extended the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative funding by $60 million over two years, to consolidate the progress made in the first five years of the Initiative.

In 2011 the Government announced that the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative funding is being further extended by $60 million over a period of two years (2012-2014). Funds being allocated for this period will support time-limited initiatives in key health system reform areas, including:

Developing mental health and chronic disease management strategies;
Addressing human resource gaps in the health field;
Strengthening system performance measurement, monitoring and reporting; and,
Implementing strategies to realize further efficiencies in medical transportation systems.

How the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative works

The Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative provides territorial governments with the opportunity to explore innovative solutions to service delivery gaps resulting in changes to their respective health care delivery systems. Additionally, it enables each territory to balance prevention and promotion activities with clinical service delivery, and it serves as a catalyst for territories to identify and consider evolving needs and develop responsive strategies.

The Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative funds are administered through agreements with the territorial governments and subdivided into three components:

Medical Travel Fund - to offset or help pay for expenses related to or incurred in the course of providing or paying for medical transportation.
Territorial Health Access Fund intended to:
- reduce reliance over time on the health care system;
- strengthen community level services; and,
- build self-reliant capacity to provide services in-territory
Operational Secretariat Fund intended to:
- support the functioning of a Federal/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Working Group to guide the implementation of the initiative;
- fund several Pan-Territorial projects; and,
- provide Territorial governments with capacity to manage THSSI commitments.

Results:

Since it was established, the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative has enabled Territorial Governments to:

Generate momentum on critical health initiatives:
- Expand midwifery and mental health services (Nunavut)
- Develop social inclusion and wellness strategies (Yukon)
- Enhance nurse practitioner and community nursing services (NWT)

Conclude some projects and launch time-limited initiatives:
- Implement an electronic tracking system for medical travel and boarding homes (Nunavut)
- Develop health risk management and quality assurance policies (Yukon)
- Implement Foundation for Change, a health system reform strategy (NWT)

Collaborate on projects to address common health priorities:
- Medical travel program review
- Healthy choice and mental health prevention/promotion strategy
- Oral health initiative

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Backgrounder

2011-08-25T12:08:00.000-06:00

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

Stanton Territorial Hospital

August 25, 2011
Yellowknife, NWT

The first Stanton Territorial Hospital was built in the 1940s. In 1984, the Federal government contributed more than $14.7 million over four years towards the construction of the current hospital building, which opened in 1988.

Stanton Territorial Hospital is currently a 100-bed acute care facility employing 507 staff. It is the largest accredited facility in the territories serving as the main health care facility for about 45,000 residents of the Northwest Territorires and western Nunavut. It provides interpretation services in all 11 official languages of the Northwest Territories.

Stanton Territorial Hospital is operated by the Stanton Territorial Health Authority, which also has four patient clinics in the Yellowknife area. In addition to providing general surgery, gynecology, oncology, orthopedaedics, pediatrics, urology and fertility treatments, the Stanton Medical Clinic and the Stanton Medical Centre also provide services such as audiology, speech-language pathology and ear, nose and throat care, dermatology, internal medicine, rheumatology, neurology and diabetes education. A separate clinic in Yellowknife has a Mental Health Clinic, and also provides ophthalmology treatments.

Family physicians and local and visiting specialists offer a wide array of medical specializations through the hospital. Stanton Territorial Hospital also arranges travelling clinics and utilizes telemedicine to provide services, as well as health promotion programs, to communities across the Northwest Territories.

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News Release

2011-08-25T12:05:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces new healthcare funding for territories

Extends Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative for further two years

August 25, 2011
Yellowknife, NWT

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced significant support to improve local healthcare for Northern families by extending the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative (THSSI). He was joined by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), Floyd K. Roland, Premier of the Northwest Territories, Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut and Darrell Pasloski, Premier of Yukon.

"The North's greatest resource is the people who live and work here. The support being announced today is yet another concrete way that our Government is improving the health of Northerners," said Prime Minister Harper. "This is about working with the territories to ensure Northern families can get the medical attention they need near their homes thereby reducing the costs, time and travel of being treated further south."

Northerners face unique healthcare challenges related to population, distance, availability of medical professionals and costly medical equipment, and higher rates of certain diseases.

The two-year extension of the Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative will provide territorial governments with valuable resources to continue health system reforms, participate in pan-territorial health initiatives and offset medical transportation expenses. More specifically, territorial governments will be able to explore innovative solutions to address service delivery gaps, balance prevention and promotion activities with clinical service delivery and identify evolving needs and responsive strategies to address them.

The Territorial Health System Sustainability Initiative is overseen by a Federal/Territorial Working Group made up of Assistant Deputy Ministers from Health Canada and each of the three territories' Departments of Health and Social Services.

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Media Advisory

2011-08-24T17:59:00.000-06:00

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

Public events for August 25, 2011

August 24, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Thursday August 25^th are:

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

10:15 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will participate in a photo opportunity.

Stanton Territorial Hospital
550 Byrne Road
Yellowknife, NWT

*Photo opportunity only (Cameras and photographers only)

NOTE:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

10:30 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will make an announcement. He will be joined by Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency; John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut; Floyd Roland, Premier of the Northwest Territories, and Darrell Pasloski, Premier of Yukon.

Stanton Territorial Hospital
550 Byrne Road
Yellowknife, NWT

NOTE:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.

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Statement

2011-08-24T17:24:00.000-06:00

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

PM marks 25^th anniversary of Rick Hansen's Man in Motion Tour

August 24, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Rick Hansen's Man in Motion Tour:

"Twenty-five years ago, Rick Hansen inspired Canadians – and people everywhere – with his Man In Motion World Tour, journeying through dozens of countries by wheelchair over a period of more than two years.

"Through his remarkable drive and determination, Rick continues to motivate thousands of Canadians, bringing us closer to a cure for spinal cord injuries and helping improve the quality of life of people with these disabilities.

"Our Government has been a steadfast supporter of the Rick Hansen Foundation. Established in 1988, the Foundation helps raise awareness, advance important research and build more inclusive communities that have benefitted tens of thousands of Canadians.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I wish Rick Hansen – a man we all respect and admire – the greatest success as he launches his 25^th Anniversary Relay today in Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador, which will retrace the Canadian portion of his original Man In Motion."

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Backgrounder

2011-08-24T13:47:00.002-06:00

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

Establishing an Iqaluit office for the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines to support economic development in Canada's North

August 24, 2011
Baker Lake, Nunavut

The Government of Canada is committed to helping promote a stronger more dynamic economy for Northern families and businesses by enabling them to benefit from the abundant resources in the region.

In keeping with this objective, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing $230,000 over three years to support the establishment of an office in Iqaluit for the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines.

Nunavut has significant mining exploration and development potential and interest is growing every year. Establishing the Chamber of Mines office in Iqaluit will help serve the needs of the growing mining industry in the territory.

The Nunavut office will offer a variety of services to the mining industry and to Northerners. Responsibilities will include working with governments to create effective legislation regarding the mining and exploration industry and communicating opportunities and benefits of Nunavut's mining industry to the public and media. As well, the Chamber office will work with the Government of Nunavut and Arctic College to promote job opportunities in the mining sector to students. The Chamber will play a key role in organizing and expanding the annual Nunavut Mining Symposium, and will attend national industry trade shows to promote Nunavut's mining industry.

Created as a non-profit organization in 1967, the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines serves mineral exploration companies operating in both territories. The Chamber seeks to encourage, assist and stimulate prosperous, orderly and environmentally responsible development and growth of mining and mineral exploration. The organization has over 900 members representing exploration, mining, consulting, and service and supply companies and individuals.

The Government of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines are contributing $330,000 and $268 000 respectively to this initiative.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-24T13:47:00.001-06:00

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

Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals

August 24, 2011
Baker Lake, Nunavut

In 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals program (GEM) to help Northerners capitalize on surging opportunities in the energy and mineral sectors and promote economic development in Canada's North.

GEM is a five-year (2008-2013), $100-million geological mapping program administered by Natural Resources Canada's Geological Survey of Canada. The program is designed to significantly advance and modernize geological knowledge in the North to support increased exploration for new resources. Scientific information gathered through GEM also further informs decisions on land use, such as the creation of parks and other protected areas.

The program benefits from an Advisory Group of Northerners, which includes representatives from provincial and territorial governments, the private sector and Aboriginal socio-economic development organizations.

Key activities of the GEM program consist of:

Using state of the art geological science and technology and techniques in airborne geophysics, field data collection, and laboratory analysis to generate new maps, data, reports and research papers. The high-resolution geological maps being produced by the program are allowing governments and private industry to make informed decisions on the development of new energy and mineral resources, bringing Canada one step closer to unlocking the full mineral potential of our northern regions;
Making collected research and maps available via the Internet to decision-makers ranging from government and community agencies, to industry investors and land-use planners; and,
Engaging communities and local governments to participate in field projects.

The program is significantly increasing publicly available geoscience information about Canada's North – including the identification of areas of high potential for gold, nickel, platinum-group elements, rare metals, base metals and diamonds. This information is increasingly being used by the private sector in Canada and around the world, given it helps mining exploration companies reduce their risks and exploration costs, which encourages economic development and creates jobs.

GEM is also helping to ensure that jobs are created in rural and remote communities in Canada's North through resource exploration and development. For example, companies which make investment decisions on where to look for resource deposits will hire local people and provide them with training and employment opportunities.

Results:

Currently in the fourth year of its five-year mandate (2008–2013), GEM to date has undertaken 20 new field projects in the three northern territories and the northern parts of six provinces: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador. Twenty-four regional geophysical surveys have been completed, 341 open file releases of new geoscience maps and data have been published on the Natural Resources Canada Website, and more than 100 technical information sessions have been delivered at venues frequented by industry, government and NGOs.

GEM has successfully prompted a number of new private sector activities in the North, including:

A $50-million Chinese-Canadian joint venture to advance development of an iron ore deposit on the Melville Peninsula, Nunavut;
$3 million in diamond exploration activities on Boothia Peninsula, Nunavut;
Staking of 114 diamond prospecting permits on southeast Baffin, Nunavut; and
The discovery of significant copper-gold-silver deposits in the Yukon.

It has also delivered a modern, quantitative estimate of the undiscovered hydrocarbon potential in the MacKenzie Valley corridor. GEM estimates that 4.8 billion barrels of oil, and 32.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas have yet to be discovered.

Over the next 10-15 years, GEM is expected to generate more than $500 million in economic activity through private sector exploration for new energy and mineral resources.

GEM's maps and technical reports are available for download, free of charge, through Natural Resources Canada's Geoscience Data Repository at www.gdr.nrcan.gc.ca. Industry and interested parties regularly access maps and technical reports online through the data repository.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-24T13:47:00.000-06:00

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

Mineral Exploration Tax Credit

August 24, 2011
Baker Lake, Nunavut

The Mineral Exploration Tax Credit helps companies raise capital for mining exploration by providing a tax incentive, stimulating investor interest in flow-through shares issued to finance exploration.

Flow-through shares allow companies to renounce, or "flow-through," tax expenses associated with their Canadian exploration activities to investors, who can deduct the expenses from their taxable income. The mineral exploration tax credit is an additional benefit, available to individuals who invest in flow-through shares, equal to 15 percent of Canadian mineral exploration expenses. These shares are particularly beneficial to start-up corporations that do not have enough taxable income to benefit from tax deductions themselves.

The Government introduced the mineral exploration tax credit in October 2000 as a temporary measure to moderate the impact of the global downturn in exploration activity on mining communities across Canada. Originally scheduled to expire on December 31, 2003, the expiry date was extended in Budgets 2003, 2004, and 2006 through 2010.

In support of the economic recovery, Budget 2011 extends the eligibility for the mineral exploration tax credit for one more year, to flow-through share agreements entered into on or before March 31, 2012. This extension will help companies continue to raise capital for mineral exploration, sustain and create jobs in the Canadian mining industry and protect mining communities affected by long-term challenges.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-24T12:23:00.000-06:00

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

Meadowbank gold mine

August 24, 2011
Baker Lake, Nunavut

The Meadowbank gold mine, Nunavut's only operating mine, is owned and operated by Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM)

Since beginning commercial production in March 2010, the mine has been providing substantial economic benefits to local residents and businesses. In addition to providing many years of seasonal employment for residents of Baker Lake and other local communities, the mine also used northern based suppliers for 41% of the $1.26 billion expended on mine construction and operations between 2007 and 2010.

The mine has also provided significant benefits for the local Inuit communities. In addition to 39% of the mine's permanent workforce being Inuit, the mining company pays royalties to Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (the Inuit land claim organization in Nunavut) given that it is located on Inuit land. In 2010/11 the mine dispensed approximately $10 million in royalties to the Inuit.

The Federal Government has provided support to get the mine up and running. Several federal departments participated in the environmental and socio-economic assessment of the Meadowbank Project conducted by the Nunavut Impact Review Board. As well, the Government has supported the advancement of mineral exploration in Nunavut through many regional and detailed geological mapping and structural geology research projects.

Meadowbank is a good example of how government geoscience supports mineral exploration and development in the North. It also shows how the new generation of northern mines are bringing direct benefits to Inuit communities while ensuring the protection the environment.

The Meadowbank mine and its transportation infrastructure operate under strict environmental management and monitoring conditions.

Quick Facts on the Meadowbank Mine:

Full-time AEM Employees (as of July 31, 2011): 769
Inuit Full-time AEM Employees (as of July 31, 2011): 289
Estimated mine life: 2010-2019
Type of mine: open-pit mining
Average Annual Gold Production (year 1-4): 400,000 ounces
Total cash costs per ounce: 2011e - $700
Open Pit Gold Reserves: 3.64 million ounces (34 million tonnes at 3.2 grams/tonne (g/t))
Indicated resource: 1.4 million ounces (26 million tonnes at 1.7 g/t)
Inferred resource: 0.7 million ounces (10 million tonnes at 2.2 g/t)

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News Release

2011-08-24T12:21:00.000-06:00

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

PM highlights success of Meadowbank gold mine

Announces measures to continue economic development in Canada's North

August 24, 2011
Baker Lake, Nunavut

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today toured Nunavut's highly successful Meadowbank gold mine and pledged to continue economic development in Canada's North.

"Our Government remains focused on the economy, job growth and expanding new opportunities from coast-to-coast-to-coast," said the Prime Minister. "Canada's North is full of economic potential and innovators continue to unlock development possibilities that bring with them real economic benefits and long-term jobs for local residents."

The Prime Minister also announced support for the establishment of an office for the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines in Iqaluit. The office will help serve the needs of the growing mining industry in the territory and promote the Nunavut mining industry around the world. The office will also promote job opportunities in the mining sector for students, and promote environmentally responsible development and growth of mining and mineral exploration.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the Government's Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program is continuing to generate geophysical maps that are helping Canadian companies locate rich mineral deposits, which reduces exploration risks and costs and encourages economic development in the North. In the area around Baker Lake alone, the GEM project has released 33 new geophysical maps over the past 12 months, with more expected as ongoing field work is conducted over the summer.

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Statement

2011-08-24T08:23:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 20^th anniversary of Ukraine Independence

August 24, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the 20^th anniversary of Ukraine's independence:

"Twenty years ago, on August 24^th, 1991, Ukraine seceded from the USSR and asserted itself as a sovereign state.

"Canada was the first Western nation to recognize Ukraine's independence and we continue to be a strong proponent of Ukraine's democratization, given that Canadians and Ukrainians share a steadfast respect for freedom, human rights and the rule of law. Just last year, our Government sponsored more than 300 election observers to travel to Ukraine to monitor voting during the presidential elections.

"More than 1.2 million Canadians trace their ancestry to Ukraine and we are proud this year to mark the 120^th anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. Ukrainian Canadians continue to make significant contributions to Canada's cultural, political and economic life and have played a major role in the development of the Canada we know today.

"As I expressed during my visit to Kiev last October, Canada will continue to strengthen bilateral ties with Ukraine and help in the building of a democratic, independent and prosperous society.

"On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our best wishes to all Ukrainians and Canadians of Ukrainian heritage celebrating this important anniversary."

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News Release

2011-08-23T14:05:00.000-06:00

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

PM meets with those involved in rescue and recovery efforts of First Air Flight 6560

Highlights efforts of first responders, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces

August 23, 2011
Resolute Bay, Nunavut

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today visited Resolute Bay, where he met with community members and first responders involved in the rescue and recovery efforts of First Air Flight 6560. He also took the time to address the Canadian Armed Forces personnel who were participating in Operation Nanook - the largest Canadian Arctic military exercise in history – and who were instrumental in helping save lives that otherwise might have been lost in the recent plane crash.

"Saturday's tragedy was felt by all Canadians across the country and around the world. Our thoughts and prayers continue to remain with family members, friends and colleagues of those who died and those who are recovering from this terrible accident," said the Prime Minister. "Once again, I want to extend my gratitude to all those involved in the rescue efforts, including the herculean efforts by Canadian Armed Forces personnel."

The Canadian Armed Forces are stationed in Resolute Bay as part of Operation NANOOK 11 – a joint Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force operation – which works with other federal departments and international partners in order to provide a visible presence in the Arctic and demonstrate Canada's ability to respond to emergency situations in the region. It builds upon previous NANOOK Operations conducted every summer since 2007, primarily in the eastern and high Arctic.

"The Canadian Armed Forces' success in conducting large-scale operations in the North is a testament to their training, professionalism, and outstanding ability to perform in the most harsh and rugged regions of the world," added Prime Minister Harper.

More than 1,100 Canadian Armed Forces personnel and 180 members of the Canadian Coast Guard took part in the exercise this August.

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Statement

2011-08-22T18:13:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada paying tribute to public servant who died in plane crash near Resolute Bay

August 22, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement in honour of the dedicated public servant who lost his life following the crash of First Air charter flight 6560 near Resolute Bay:

"I offer my most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Marty Bergmann, a dedicated public servant who died on Saturday in the tragic plane crash near Resolute Bay.

"Marty Bergmann spent his life in pursuit of sharing the importance and relevance of the Arctic through science. He engaged Northern communities and worked to integrate traditional knowledge in the advancement of science.

"During his impressive career in the Government – most recently as Director of the Polar Continental Shelf Program with Natural Resources – he worked tirelessly to support researchers in the country's vast and remote North and has been a leader in rejuvenating Canada's Arctic research infrastructure.

"His dedication, efforts and writings have won him many awards and the deep respect of his peers.

"Mr. Bergmann's remarkable contributions to the North and to Canada will be remembered.

"His legacy will live on in the science benefitting Northern families and in exercising Canada's sovereignty over its Arctic territory.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sheila and his four children during this very difficult time. He will be greatly missed."

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Media Advisory

2011-08-22T17:19:00.000-06:00

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

Public events for August 23, 2011

August 22, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public event for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for Tuesday August 23rd is:

Ottawa, Ontario

7:15 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will depart on his sixth annual Northern Tour.

Canada Reception Centre
Hangar 11
190 Convair Private
Ottawa, Ontario

*Photo opportunity only (Cameras and photographers only)

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media are asked to arrive no later than 7:00 a.m.

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2011-08-22T13:45:00.000-06:00

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2011-08-22T12:26:00.000-06:00

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Media Advisory

2011-08-22T11:31:00.000-06:00

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

Public events for August 22, 2011

August 22, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Public event for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for August 22^nd is:

Ottawa, Ontario

1:30p.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will deliver a statement.

Foyer
Centre Block
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario

NOTES:

Media are required to present proper identification for accreditation.
Media should gather in the foyer of the House of Commons at 1:15

PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555
PMO Staff Onsite: Andrew MacDougall, Press Secretary

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Statement

2011-08-22T08:34:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of Jack Layton

August 22, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement following the death of Jack Layton:

"I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the death of Jack Layton.

"When I last spoke with Jack following his announcement in July, I wished him well and he told me he'd be seeing me in the House of Commons in the Fall.

"This, sadly, will no longer come to pass.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I salute Jack's contribution to public life, a contribution that will be sorely missed.

"I know one thing: Jack gave his fight against cancer everything he had. Indeed, Jack never backed down from any fight.

"To his wife Olivia, his family, and to his colleagues and friends, Laureen and I offer our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time."

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News Release

2011-08-21T16:41:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces sixth annual tour of Canada's North

August 21, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will travel to Canada's North for the sixth consecutive year. The Prime Minister will tour the North from August 23 to 26, 2011.

"Canada's North is a fundamental part of our heritage and national identity and it is a cornerstone of our Government's agenda," said the Prime Minister. "Since forming Government, we have made significant progress on economic and social development, asserting our sovereignty, providing good governance, and protecting the Northern environment."

The Prime Minister will visit Resolute Bay on Tuesday, where he will meet with community members and first responders involved in rescue and recovery efforts for First Air Flight 6560.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with those affected by Saturday's tragic plane crash," said the Prime Minister. "Thanks to the herculean efforts of first responders, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces, lives were saved that otherwise might have been lost."

Following Resolute, the Prime Minister will stop in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon, where he will meet with Premiers, visit initiatives that are benefiting Northerners, and make several announcements that will further contribute to the economic and social development of Canada's North.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by: Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health; John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development; and Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources.

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Statement

2011-08-20T19:10:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the plane crash near Resolute Bay

August 20, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the crash of First Air charter flight 6560 near Resolute Bay:

"I am deeply saddened by news of this tragic plane crash near Resolute Bay.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those passengers who lost their lives in this tragedy. We also wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

"I would like to thank the dedicated members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who are in Resolute Bay for Operation Nanook 2011 and who have been working tirelessly on the ground with emergency personnel to respond to the situation."

Prime Minister Harper is scheduled to visit Canada's North next week. Details of his itinerary will be confirmed at a later date.

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2011-08-18T11:49:00.000-06:00

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2011-08-18T10:41:00.000-06:00

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Statement

2011-08-18T08:06:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the situation in Syria

August 18, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the situation in Syria:

"Canada reiterates its strong condemnation of the ongoing violent military assault by the Assad regime against the Syrian people. This campaign of terror must stop.

"The Assad regime has lost all legitimacy by killing its own people to stay in power.

"I join with President Obama and other members of the international community in calling on President Assad to vacate his position, relinquish power and step down immediately. The Syrian people have a right to decide for themselves the next steps for Syria's future.

"Canada has taken decisive action imposing sanctions that directly target members of the current Syrian regime and those who provide it with support.

"Canada stands with the Syrian people in their efforts to secure freedom and democracy, and looks forward to a new Syria that respects the rights of all of its people and lives in peace with its neighbours."

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Statement

2011-08-15T10:05:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on National Acadian Day

August 15, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark National Acadian Day:

"Acadians were early pioneers of our great country, whose ancestors helped establish the first French settlement in North America in the early 1600s.

"They were also a driving force in helping to build New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and parts of Quebec.

"The Acadian people endured early hardships with great resolve and courage to emerge a proud and determined community that continues to make significant contributions to Canada, in every area of endeavour. Their customs, traditions and way of life have become a distinctive part of Canada's social fabric.

"Our Government is committed to preserving Acadian heritage and to ensuring that Acadian communities have a bright future. That is why we have supported and will continue to support projects and initiatives in numerous communities where Acadians live, such as the Société historique acadienne de Pubnico-Ouest and the Association culturelle du Havre-Aubert, which promote Acadian history and culture. Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, we are also helping the Festival acadien de Caraquet to increase its profile at home and abroad.

"On this special day, Laureen and I salute all Acadians across this great country and encourage Canadians to explore the history and culture of this proud and determined people."

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2011-08-15T03:55:00.000-06:00

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2011-08-15T02:19:00.000-06:00

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Statement

2011-08-14T08:37:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 64^th anniversary of India's independence

August 14, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the 64^th anniversary of India's independence on August 15^th:

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating the 64^th anniversary of India's independence.

"Through hard work, innovation and determination, the people of India have built one of the world's leading economies since the country gained independence in 1947.

"Canada values its friendship with India tremendously and we share many of the same values. For instance, both our countries have adopted the same Westminster systems of parliamentary democracy, which we draw upon to ensure the prosperity of communities that are ethnically, spiritually and linguistically diverse.

"Our mutually beneficial friendship becomes ever more important as we move forward in a globally competitive economy. That is why last November, Prime Minister Singh and I launched trade negotiations which will open new markets and bring more opportunity to Canadian and Indian businesses. Earlier this year, I also participated in the launch of the Year of India in Canada 2011, to celebrate the contributions of Indio-Canadians and highlight India's culture and traditions within Canada.

"Thanks to the one million Canadians of Indian heritage, who continue to help Canada thrive, our country's ties with India deepen by the day.

"I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to all those honouring this important anniversary."

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Statement

2011-08-14T08:32:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada marks the 64^th anniversary of Pakistan's independence

August 14, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the 64^th anniversary of Pakistan's independence:

"On behalf of Canadians, I am pleased to extend my very best wishes and sincere congratulations to all those celebrating the 64^th anniversary of Pakistan's independence.

"Our country is home to a vibrant, 300,000-member strong community of Canadians of Pakistani heritage, which plays a meaningful role in our diverse cultural landscape and contributes to Canada's prosperity in all fields of endeavour.

"On this special day, we reflect on the events and accomplishments that have shaped the history of Pakistan and we celebrate the ties between our two countries.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to recall the catastrophic floods that caused massive devastation in Pakistan last year. Our Government's humanitarian assistance and the contributions of thousands of individual Canadians helped meet the urgent needs of millions of people affected by the floods. While Pakistan continues to feel the impact of the 2010 monsoon floods and faces wide-ranging challenges, I commend the Pakistani people for their dignified resilience in the face of adversity.

"Canada values its relationship with Pakistan and we stand by Pakistanis as they continue to work towards building a strong, stable and secure nation. Once again, I wish you the best as you commemorate this important day."

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2011-08-13T22:58:00.000-06:00

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2011-08-13T20:48:00.000-06:00

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Statement

2011-08-13T10:47:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the 50^th Anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall

August 13, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the 50^th Anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall:

"Fifty years ago, the world saw Germany divided in two, with Berlin severed by the construction of the Berlin Wall, with the West retaining its rights and freedoms and the East succumbing to Communist oppression.

"The Berlin Wall became symbolic of division in the 20^th Century – an imposing cement slab that became an integral part of the Iron Curtain between Western Europe and the Eastern Bloc. It also became a symbol of tyranny and evil as many innocent people fleeing communism were gunned down in their attempt to find freedom on the other side of the Wall in West Berlin.

"During the Cold War, many apologists for the Communist regime tried to convince the world that their ideology was superior. Fortunately, talented and courageous artists, writers and ordinary citizens were able to expose that what went on behind the Wall ran counter to all the ideals the West had fought for and the truth began to trickle out.

"Canada is proud to have stood with those who opposed all that the Berlin Wall came to represent. We are also proud to have welcomed, over the years, people who escaped Communist oppression, including those who fled the Soviet Union's brutal crackdowns in central Europe in the 1950s and 1960s.

"Today, we continue to see the consequences of the dire legacy of communist totalitarianism and blind ideology, which continues to divide North from South Korea. Like the East Germany of the past, the North Korea of today continues to forcibly prevent its population from building better lives at home or abroad.

"In the 2010 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada announced support for the establishment of a National Monument to the Victims of Communism. This monument shall stand as a reminder that all political systems are not the same, that our democracy and our freedoms are to be cherished, exercised and protected.

"Today, a piece of the Berlin Wall can be viewed in Canada's War Museum, a reminder of all Canadians who served in West Germany to defend freedom and democracy during the Cold War.

"Let it also be a reminder that Canada remains a vigorous defender of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law on the world stage today."

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News Release

2011-08-12T16:46:00.000-06:00

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

PM wraps up successful visit to Latin America

August 12, 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today wrapped up a highly successful visit to Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Honduras during which he met with political and business leaders and announced 25 initiatives in a broad range of areas, including on trade, air transportation, taxation, development co-operation, and support for human rights, peace and security. These initiatives will deepen Canada's ties with these important hemispheric partners.

"Canada continues to be an active player in the hemisphere, strengthening economic ties with its partners, improving market access and promoting security," said Prime Minister Harper. "The many agreements signed during the visit will support job creation and economic growth in Canada and for our trading partners, which in turn, will contribute to advancing security and democratic governance in the region."

The objectives of the trip were to promote and enhance security in the region and to increase Canadian prosperity through trade and investment. The following results demonstrate that these objectives were met:

In Brazil, the Prime Minister announced the following 11 initiatives:

An Air Transport Agreement
An Agreement on Social Security
A Memorandum of Understanding on Olympic Games Cooperation
A Memorandum of Understanding on International Development Cooperation Effectiveness
A Canada-Brazil Strategic Partnership Dialogue
Renewed Funding for the International Science and Technology Partnership Program
The development of a Science and Technology Action Plan focused on innovation
The first scholarships granted under the "Canada-Brazil Awards: Joint Research Projects"
The Governor General's leading of the Canadian delegation for the next Conference of the Americas on International Education to be hosted by Brazil in April 2012
The creation of a Canada-Brazil CEO Forum, and the appointment of Mr. Rick Waugh as Canadian co-chair of the Forum
The opening of three new Visa Application Centres

In Colombia, the Prime Minister announced the following 4 initiatives:

The entry into force of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement on August 15, 2011
Increased Canadian international development assistance to benefit children, at-youth risk and promote human rights
Support for new and ongoing projects that will enhance peace, security and justice in Colombia and the region
Colombia's accession to Canada's Military Training and Cooperation Program (2011-2014)

In Costa Rica, the Prime Minister announced the following 7 initiatives:

The launch of negotiations to modernize the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement, with a commitment to conclude negotiations one year from now
An Air Transportation agreement
A Tax Information Exchange Agreement
Canadian support for the Costa Rican Police Enhancement Program to help Costa Rican national police officers gain advanced training and mentoring through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Canadian contribution of equipment to the Costa Rican police academy
Canadian support for capacity building and security training for the Costa Rican tourism industry
The opening of a new Visa Application Centre in Costa Rica

In Honduras, the Prime Minister announced the following 3 initiatives:

The conclusion of negotiations toward a Canada-Honduras free trade agreement
Canadian support to increase food security in Honduras
Canadian support to help address regional security challenges in Central America, including Honduras

The measures announced over the course of this visit are intended to enhance commercial flows, regional stability and security. They build upon the many successes of our Government's Americas strategy, which is focused on promoting prosperity at home and in countries of the Western hemisphere, reinforcing democratic governance, increasing economic prosperity and advancing our common security.

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Statement

2011-08-12T14:54:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada in San Pedro Sula, Honduras

August 12, 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks while in San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

"Mr. President, I am delighted to be here with you today, on what I know you have said is an historic day.

"And I know I also speak for the entire Canadian delegation when I thank you for your warm welcome to this country.

"I am also hopeful that the discussions we are having today will lead to a new era of partnership and enhanced friendship between the peoples of Honduras and Canada.

"First, I congratulate you upon your readmission to the Organization of American States.

"Canada fully supported this important step, and as you know, our then-Minister of State for the Americas, Peter Kent, worked diligently to secure it.

"It is a hard-won accomplishment under difficult circumstances and bodes well for this country's future.

"We should also both take satisfaction from a long history of bilateral relations.

"This year marks the 50^th anniversary, and today's visit should be taken as evidence of our earnest desire for a stronger relationship with Honduras – one based upon a commitment to human rights, democracy, security and prosperity.

"A better life is one of humanity's universal desires and it takes many things to effect lasting improvements for a nation.

"Friends of Honduras, such as Canada, are therefore encouraged by the initiatives you have taken.

"Mr. President, in particular the establishment of a ministry dedicated to justice and human rights.

"We are also hopeful that the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will help the country move forward.

"However, we strongly believe that prosperity, general and widespread, is essential to any nation's full enjoyment of peace, freedom and democracy.

"And if prosperity is the key to these great objectives, so is trade the key to prosperity.

"On this trip, I have announced significant steps forward in our trade agenda for the Americas: exploratory trade talks with Murcasur in Brazil; the coming into force of our Agreement with Colombia; and beginning negotiations on a second-generation accord with Costa Rica.

"I am now very pleased to announce today, with you Mr. President, the successful conclusion of free trade negotiations between our two countries and the signing of this Agreement.

"Our experience shows that the removal of barriers to trade is the most efficient tool
that governments possess, to generate growth and to generate and create jobs.

"Modern trade agreements, such as that to which we are putting our signatures today, also give labour and environmental concerns their appropriate weight.

"Mr. President, we have supported Honduras in the past and as it confronts difficult challenges, we will continue to do so.

"Our hearts are very much with you.

"And, in this same spirit of friendship, I would like to invite you, to return to Canada in the near future."

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Backgrounder

2011-08-12T13:25:00.001-06:00

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

Canada-Honduras free trade agreement

August 12, 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

The Government of Canada is committed to an ambitious free trade and investment agenda that will create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, along with the President of Honduras, Porfirio Lobo, announced the conclusion of negotiations toward a Canada-Honduras free trade agreement.

Canada and Honduras agreed to pursue bilateral negotiations in October 2010, following almost nine years of talks between Canada and the Central America Four countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Canadian and Honduran officials met in Ottawa in December 2010, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in February 2011, and again in Ottawa in July 2011 to advance discussions.

Honduras offers promising opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. In 2010, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Honduras totalled $192 million. Canadian exports to Honduras totalled $40.8 million and consisted mainly of fertilizers, machinery and dye. Canadian merchandise imports from Honduras totalled $151.2 million, consisting mainly of fruits, and knit and woven apparel.

According to Statistics Canada, the stock of Canadian direct investment in Honduras reached $110 million at the end of 2008. Canadian companies active in Honduras are involved in the apparel, mining and manufacturing sectors, among other areas.

Canada is carving out a free trade leadership role in the Americas. In the region, we have concluded agreements with the United States, Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia and Panama, and will continue to pursue free trade agreements across the hemisphere.

Canada has 6 FTAs in force, with a total of 10 countries: NAFTA (United States, Mexico), Israel, Chile, Costa Rica, European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and Peru. On August 15, 2011 a 7^th agreement with Colombia will enter into force.

FTAs with Panama and Jordan have been signed and negotiations with Honduras have concluded.

Free Trade Agreements are in various stages of negotiations with the following 51 countries: Ukraine, Morocco, European Union (27 Member States), Caribbean community – CARICOM (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago), Dominican Republic, Central America Three (El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua), India, South Korea and Singapore.

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News Release

2011-08-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces conclusion of free trade negotiations with Honduras

August 12, 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the President of Honduras, Porfirio Lobo, today announced the conclusion of negotiations toward a Canada-Honduras free trade agreement. The announcement was made during an official visit to Honduras by Prime Minister Harper.

"Our Government received a strong mandate to implement our ambitious job-creating free trade plan that will benefit Canadians," said Prime Minister Harper. "A free trade agreement with Honduras is a key part of our Government's agenda to open new markets for Canadian businesses, create new opportunities for our workers and contribute to Canada's future prosperity."

A free trade agreement with Honduras will benefit Canadian workers and businesses in regions across the country and in many sectors of the Canadian economy, including agriculture, professional services, value added food processing and manufacturing, as well as commodity- and resource-based industries.

The Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement, including strong parallel agreements on labour standards and practices, and environmental protection, will come into force once both countries complete their domestic ratification processes.

Since 2006, Canada has launched an ambitious free trade plan, increasing opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses by concluding new free trade agreements with eight countries: Colombia, Jordan, Panama, Peru and the European Free Trade Association member states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Negotiations are also under way with the European Union and India, which, taken together, could boost Canada's economy by at least $18 billion.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-12T13:07:00.001-06:00

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

Food security projects in Honduras

August 12, 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

On August 12, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced support for the following food security projects in Honduras: the World Food Programme Honduras Country Program, the World Food Programme School Feeding, the Food and Agriculture Organization Special Program for Food Security, the Agriculture Value Chain Initiative, as well as the Promoting Food Security in the Choluteca and Rio Negro and the Nacaome and Goascorán Watersheds. These projects – administered through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) – are in line with Canada's Engagement in the Americas strategy and the Aid Effectiveness Agenda.

Since 1969, Canada has provided nearly $500 million in Official Development Assistance to Honduras. With total bilateral aid in 2009-2010 exceeding $23 million, Honduras is a country of focus for international assistance for Canada.

World Food Programme (WFP) Honduras Country Program ($6.1 million)

This initiative contributes to improving the nutrition, health and food security of Honduras' poorest populations, specifically, pre-school and school age children, as well as pregnant and lactating women.

The School Feeding component supports access to education by providing a daily meal to boys and girls attending pre-schools and schools in southwestern Honduras. Activities are intended to increase attendance in these establishments in the most vulnerable areas of the country.

The Reduction of Child and Maternal Malnutrition component (REDI) aims to assist vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and lactating women, and children under five years of age by addressing their special nutritional and health needs. Through micronutrient supplementation and distribution of monthly household food rations, the project helps to reduce malnutrition and anemia in vulnerable groups.

Food and Agriculture Organization Special Program for Food Security ($17 million, 2010-2015)

This five-year food security project aims to build local capacities in key areas such as diet diversification, sustainability of agriculture production systems and the promotion of better nutritional education and health practices. The ultimate outcome of the project is improved food security for vulnerable households in the poorest municipalities in Honduras.

Agriculture Value Chain Initiative ($12 million, 2010-2017)

This initiative comprises two projects, with two Honduran partners: Sustainable Coffee Production, with the Honduran Institute for Coffee, and Promoting High-Value Cacao Agro Forestry Systems, with the Honduran Foundation of Agricultural Research. The goal of the Initiative is to enhance food security in sensitive rural areas of Honduras. It aims to increase the annual income of small-scale producers through improvements in productivity, quality, and diversity in the coffee and cacao sectors.

The Sustainable Coffee Production project provides assistance to 15 coffee cooperatives in 15 municipalities. To achieve this, the Honduran Institute for Coffee (IHCAFE) will promote sustainable coffee production practices, such as shade-grown pesticide-free coffee in order to shift small-scale producers away from traditional practices that generate low yields and income and pollute water sources. IHCAFE provides training to producers, access to credit, higher-yielding plants, as well as technology to improve harvest quality and reduce losses. The Institute also helps cooperatives develop business plans, marketing strategies and assists them in obtaining internationally recognized organic certification, which enables producers to gain access to high-value international coffee markets.

The Cacao Agro Forestry Systems project aims to help 2,500 small-scale hillside producers in 24 municipalities in northern Honduras. To achieve this, the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research (FHIA) will promote the replacement of low-value crops with high-value cacao agro forestry systems. This change diversifies production and provides small-scale producers with significantly increased income. The introduction of sustainable agriculture practices, such as natural pest control and soil conservation measures, helps to reverse environmental degradation and enables small-scale producers to access higher-value international markets.

Promoting Food Security in the Choluteca and Rio Negro Watersheds (PROSADE) ($13 million, 2010-2017)

The PROSADE project aims to enhance food security for some 24,200 poor rural families in the Choluteca and Rio Negro watersheds in southern Honduras, through improved agricultural productivity, diversity and the promotion of sustainable natural resource management practices.

The project includes the following key activities:

Providing technical assistance and training to farmers;
Increasing access to drought-resistant seeds for production;
Promoting the adoption of environmentally sustainable farming practices;
Providing assistance to municipalities to enable the development and implementation of integrated watershed management and disaster prevention plans; and
Creating a self-sustaining financial mechanism that will enable small-scale farmers to access credit in order to acquire new technologies and for municipalities to finance water system rehabilitation.

Food Security in the Nacaome and Goascorán Watersheds (PRASA) ($12 million, 2010-2016)

The PRASA project aims to enhance food security and increase income for 3,000 poor rural families in southern Honduras through improved agricultural productivity and sustainable natural resource management.

The project includes the following key activities:

Developing integrated watershed management and land use plans;
Implementing plans through the rehabilitation of water systems and the creation of family gardens;
Raising awareness at the community level of the importance of protecting natural resources – especially water – through educational social activities; and
Strengthening local institutions and organizations through workshops and the provision of technical assistance.

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News Release

2011-08-12T13:07:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces Canadian support to increase food security in Honduras

August 12, 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced Canadian support to increase food security in Honduras, especially children and those in the poorest regions of the country.

"The lack of access to safe and nutritious food is one of the major obstacles to reducing poverty in developing countries," said Prime Minister Harper. "Canada's support will address immediate needs in Honduras, contribute to sustainable agricultural development and help to create the basis for prosperity."

The projects and programs announced today include support for the World Food Programme in Honduras, which focuses on school nutrition and reducing child and maternal malnutrition, and for the Food and Agriculture Organization, which aims to improve food security of vulnerable households in the poorest municipalities in Honduras. As a result of these programs, over 171,000 children and pregnant women will receive healthy foods, and 28,000 families will benefit from improved food security.

Other projects announced today include the Agriculture Value Chain Initiative, working with Honduran organizations to help increase the annual income of small-scale producers through improvements in productivity, quality, and diversity in the coffee and cacao sectors, as well as food security projects in the Choluteca and Rio Negro, and Nacaome and Goascoran Watersheds.

These projects continue to build on Canada's Engagement in the Americas strategy and the Aid Effectiveness Agenda.

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News Release

2011-08-12T13:04:00.001-06:00

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

PM announces contributions to security enhancements in Central America

August 12, 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced increased support to help address regional security challenges in Central America, including Honduras.

"Our Central American partners are making important efforts to address the security challenges posed by the illicit activities of criminal networks operating in the region," said Prime Minister Harper. "Canada's support demonstrates our Government's strong commitment to enhancing security and stability throughout the Americas, including Honduras."

Canada's contribution is funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Anti-Crime Capacity-Building Program (ACCBP), launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2009. The funding will support a variety of projects that strengthen the capacity-building efforts of state agencies and regional institutions that are at the front-lines of combating transnational crime in Central America.

The ACCBP provides support to enhance the capacity of beneficiary states through international organizations and non-governmental entities to prevent and respond to threats posed by transnational criminal activity throughout the Americas. In Central America and the Caribbean, the program focuses on reforming the security sector, combating illicit drug trafficking and preventing crime.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-12T13:04:00.000-06:00

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

Enhancing security in Central America

August 12, 2011
San Pedro Sula, Honduras

On August 12, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that the Government of Canada is contributing over $9.2 million to help promote the following projects in Central America, including Honduras.

Canada's contribution is funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Anti-Crime Capacity-Building Program (ACCBP), which was launched by Prime Minister Harper in 2009. The funding will support a variety of projects that strengthen the capacity-building efforts of state agencies and regional institutions at the front-lines of combating transnational crime in Central America.

Port Security Assistance Program

This regional initiative will provide national port security assessments, follow-on training, and workshops on maritime security and crisis management exercises, with expertise contributed by Transport Canada, among others. This project is implemented by the Organization of American States' (OAS) Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission and the Inter-American Committee on Ports. All OAS Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean participate in this project. Canada's contribution totals over $4.3 million.

Regional Container Control for Latin America

This initiative, being implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will assist governments in minimizing the risk of shipping containers being used for illicit drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and other forms of black market activity at sea and dry ports. This project is also contributing to the collection, sharing and analysis of information between countries on containers and training relevant agents to identify and inspect high-risk freight containers with minimum disruption to legitimate trade and business. Participating countries include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Panama. Canada's contribution totals over $1.9 million.

Capacity-Building in Travel Document Security and Identity Management in the Americas

This project, implemented by the Organization of American States' CICTE, is a technical cooperation initiative intended to assist beneficiary States throughout the Americas to achieve compliance with international document security standards, as well as other best practices regarding travel documents from the International Civil Aviation Organization. Canada's contribution totals over $1.2 million.

Global Scientific Forensics Support Programme

Under this initiative, UNODC is developing and disseminating standardized forensic training and reference materials, which will be implemented in Latin America. The program's 20 participating countries are Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Canada's contribution totals over $387,000.

Global Synthetics Monitoring: Analyses, Reporting and Trends (SMART) Programme

This initiative enhances the capacity of authorities in the Americas to generate, manage, analyze, and report synthetic drug information, as well as apply the knowledge to the design of national and regional strategic policy and programme interventions. This project is being implemented by UNODC and includes 20 participating countries: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Canada's contribution totals over $369,000.

National Drug Control System

This project, implemented by UNODC, supports and maintains the National Drug Control System, created in 1996. Its ultimate objective is to implement a sustainable system that can be operated by UN Member States with minimal input and assistance from UNODC, as a means to implement the UN Drug Control Conventions in participating states. The participating countries are Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Canada's contribution totals over $181,000.

Strengthening the Capacity to Combat Trafficking in Persons in Latin America

This project, implemented by UNDOC, aims to ensure that the participating countries have access to a manual on combating trafficking in persons developed from global best practices in their native language. The twelve participating countries are Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. Canada's contribution totals over $98,000.

Foreign Drug Co-operation

The goal of this initiative is to assist foreign law enforcement agencies in developing the knowledge, skills and investigative techniques which are essential to the successful investigation and prosecution of drug-related offences by providing counter-drug training and promote best practices amongst law enforcement agencies battling the challenges of organized crime in Central American and the Caribbean. Beneficiary countries include Costa Rica, Belize, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, and Nicaragua. This project is being implemented by the RCMP, with a Government of Canada contribution totalling over $71,800.

Marine and Port Security Drills and Exercise Workshop

This initiative is intended to enhance marine and port security for the mutual benefit of all participants. Key activities include discussions and the sharing of lessons learned between numerous international partners on topics ranging from maritime and port security to national, regional and international best practices and perspectives. ST Education & Training Private Ltd. and Transport Canada are joining forces on this initiative. Participating countries are Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Canada's contribution totals over $41,000.

Special Investigative Methods Project

The Special Investigative Methods Project, implemented by the Justice Education Society of British Columbia, aims to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies in Central American countries through the provision of equipment and training on investigative methods — such as surveillance and forensic video analysis — which are critical in the fight against sophisticated criminal networks. Canadian funding for the Honduras portion of this project totals over $567,600.

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Statement

2011-08-11T15:53:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada in San José, Costa Rica

August 11, 2011
San José, Costa Rica

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks while on an official visit in San José, Costa Rica:

"Madam President, I am delighted to be making my first official visit to your beautiful country, but I'm certainly not the first Canadian.

"As you mentioned, more than 10,000 of my fellow Canadians, drawn by Costa Rica's stability, high standard of living – and perhaps the weather – have made their homes here: to them, I extend cordial greetings.

"I should especially like to thank you, Madam President, for the generous hospitality that you have extended to myself, and to all of our staff and delegation.

"Costa Rica is an important partner for Canada in Central America.

"As of this year, we have enjoyed diplomatic relations for fifty years.

"And in this area, Costa Rica is one of the most like-minded countries. We share similar on a range of issues from democracy and human rights, to security and free trade.

"President Chinchilla and I discussed a range of issues.

"We also witnessed the signing of two important agreements.

"The Air Transport Agreement will give our airlines greater flexibility that will, in turn, mean more options for travelers.

"The Tax Information Exchange Agreement will help authorities combat tax evasion in both countries, increase investment and promote fairness for honest taxpayers.

"Since the 2002 Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement came into force, two-way trade and investment between out two countries have grown significantly.

"Indeed, within Central America, Costa Rica is already Canada's largest merchandise trade partner.

"However, the existing agreement is somewhat dated. It has not kept up with the expansion of business.

"It does not, for instance, cover cross-border trade in services or government procurement.

"Nor does it reflect current thinking about labour and environmental cooperation.

"It is time that it be upgraded.

"I am therefore delighted to announce that negotiations will begin this fall to extend and modernize this agreement – something we hope to achieve over the next year.

"And I am confident that the result of a successful expansion of our trade agreement will be greater prosperity and more opportunities for people in both our countries.

"Finally, President Chinchilla and I discussed the security challenges Costa Rica faces, especially from transnational criminal organizations.

"Earlier today, I visited the Costa Rica Police Academy.

"Here, patriotic Costa Ricans are training to counter these criminal organizations.

"In so doing, they contribute to the fight against a plague that affects all of us.

"I am therefore delighted to announce that Canada will contribute funds towards strengthening the capacity of Costa Rica's national police.

"I'm also pleased to note, as President Chinchilla already did, the improvement of our visa service. I know this is a very important step forward for Costa Ricans, particularly Costa Rican business people.

"In that spirit, I should like to conclude with an invitation, Madam President, to celebrate our good, strong friendship of so many years and the commercial ties that have been developing between us.

"I should like to invite you to come north to Canada. I know you have many family connections there, so come and experience our warmth of our own hospitality on an official visit."

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Backgrounder

2011-08-11T14:08:00.001-06:00

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

Strengthening Canada's engagement with Costa Rica

August 11, 2011
San José, Costa Rica

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the launch of negotiations to modernize the existing free trade agreement between Canada and Costa Rica, as well as the signing of an air transportation agreement and a tax information exchange agreement between the two countries.

Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement

Costa Rica is Canada's largest trading partner in Central America, accounting for 31 percent of its two-way merchandise trade with the region in 2010. Unlike Canada's current approach to free trade agreements, the existing Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement – which came into effect on November 1, 2002 – does not include substantive provisions in areas such as services, investment and government procurement.

Canada and Costa Rica look forward to modernizing their existing free trade agreement, which will aim to lower tariffs on goods, expand market access for cross-border trade in services, investments, electronic commerce and telecommunications, as well as secure access to the government procurement market.

As a result of the modernization, new opportunities could be created in Costa Rica for Canadian businesses in construction, manufacturing and agriculture. This will serve to increase economic prosperity in Canada and Costa Rica by creating new opportunities and jobs – a key objective of Canada's engagement in the Americas.

Officials will meet in the coming weeks to begin the negotiation process. Both Canada and Costa Rica are committed to updating their existing free trade agreement as soon as possible.

Air Transportation Agreement with Costa Rica

On August 11, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Costa Rican President, Laura Chinchilla, witnessed the signing of an air transportation agreement, which will benefit businesses and travellers by facilitating more flight options and routings, and strengthen ties between Canada and Costa Rica.

The new agreement – which provides airlines and passengers with significantly more flexibility in terms of routes, frequency of service and pricing – aims to expand commercial opportunities for airlines and businesses, which will in turn promote tourism and greater economic activity in the two countries. It also enables Canadian and Costa Rican airlines to offer air services using flights from countries other than their own and contains a number of provisions dealing with aviation safety and security.

The Air Transport Agreement is consistent with the Government of Canada's Engagement in the Americas strategy, which aims to promote prosperity by further engaging with countries in the Western hemisphere. It is also a key component in the implementation of Canada's Blue Sky Policy, whose objective is to enhance the prosperity of our country by creating opportunities and jobs in various sectors of the economy, including trade and tourism.

The Air Transport Agreement must be ratified by both Canada and Costa Rica before the provisions contained within it can be implemented. Until that time, the 1996 air transport agreement remains in effect.

Tax Information Exchange Agreement

Tax information exchange agreements (TIEA) are bilateral agreements under which two countries undertake to exchange tax information that is relevant to the administration and enforcement of domestic tax laws. In particular, a TIEA sets out to combat tax evasion and tax havens.

As a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada believes that the ability for countries to exchange standardized tax information is of the utmost importance and supports the OECD in its encouragement of member countries to enter into TIEAs. This is why the Government of Canada announced in 2007 that it would adopt a policy in support of negotiating TIEAs with jurisdictions with which it does not have a comprehensive tax treaty.

As with all TIEAs, the agreement signed on August 11, 2011 between Canada and Costa Rica will help fight international tax evasion and protect the integrity of Canada's tax system.

Currently, Canada has TIEAs in force with Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, as well as the jurisdictions formerly known as the Netherlands Antilles. Canada has also signed TIEAs with Anguilla, Bahamas, Dominica, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Saint Lucia, San Marino, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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News Release

2011-08-11T14:08:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces measures to strengthen Canada's engagement with Costa Rica

August 11, 2011
San José, Costa Rica

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the launch of negotiations to modernize the existing free trade agreement between Canada and Costa Rica, as well as the signing of an air transportation agreement and a tax information exchange agreement between the two countries. The announcements were made during a working visit with President Laura Chinchilla in San José, Costa Rica.

"Canada and Costa Rica enjoy excellent bilateral relations. In fact, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Canadian Embassy in San José," said the Prime Minister. "By removing trade barriers, facilitating air travel between our countries and working together to combat tax evasion, the measures announced today will lead to new opportunities and stronger economies for both Canadians and Costa Ricans."

Today's announcements will have far-reaching benefits for Canada and Costa Rica. Most notably:

Negotiations towards the modernization of the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement will aim to accelerate the elimination of tariffs for agricultural and industrial goods, increase market access and broaden the agreement to cover other areas, such as cross-border trade in services, including financial services.
The air transportation agreement will further strengthen ties between Canada and Costa Rica by providing airlines with flexibility in terms of routes, frequency of service and pricing, which will in turn promote travel, trade and economic growth in each country. The agreement also marks another step towards the successful implementation of the Blue Sky Policy with countries in Central America.
The Tax Information Exchange Agreement will create the legal framework that will enable Canada and Costa Rica to exchange relevant tax information. By doing so, it will help Canadian and Costa Rican authorities combat international tax evasion, enforce domestic tax laws and protect the integrity of their tax systems.

Each of the measures announced today is consistent with Canada's Engagement in the Americas strategy, which aims to promote prosperity at home and in countries of the Western hemisphere.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-11T14:01:00.001-06:00

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

Support to strengthen security in Costa Rica

August 11, 2011
San José, Costa Rica

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Government support for the Enhanced Foreign Candidate Program, the Costa Rican Police Enhancement Program and the Capacity Building and Security Training for the Tourism Industry project.

Enhanced Foreign Candidate Program

Through this initiative, up to 250 Costa Rican national police officers annually will begin a three-year training and mentorship program with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The RCMP and the Canadian Police College will lead the implementation of this initiative, with support from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Anti-Crime Capacity-Building Program (ACCBP). The initiative will help strengthen Costa Rican police in utilizing special investigative techniques, including those related to surveillance, criminal intelligence, and the management of major cases.

Costa Rican Police Enhancement Program

This program will fulfill a request from the Costa Rican government to equip their new police academy with communication and navigation equipment necessary to train new recruits and re-train existing members of their police force. Canada's support for this initiative will be provided through the ACCBP, and the equipment will be procured through the Canadian Commercial Corporation.

Capacity Building and Security Training for the Tourism Industry

This project aims to enhance security for tourists by offering specialized training to security managers in the tourism industry and public law enforcement agencies in the Americas. It also seeks to develop public-private partnerships between security managers and law enforcement agencies to enhance security within the tourism industry. The ACCBP is providing support for this initiative, which will be implemented by the Organization of American States.

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News Release

2011-08-11T14:01:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces support to strengthen security in Costa Rica

Will help front-line Costa Rican police fight crime, benefitting both countries

August 11, 2011
San José, Costa Rica

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the Government will support the Enhanced Foreign Candidate Program and Costa Rican Police Enhancement Program that will strengthen the national police force in Costa Rica and help make the region a safer place for travellers and businesses. The Prime Minister also announced the Government will help enhance security for the Costa Rican tourism industry, through the Capacity Building and Security Training for the Tourism Industry project.

"Improving security and stability in our hemisphere is critical to the long-term safety and prosperity of citizens in Canada and other countries," Prime Minister Harper said. "Through today's commitments, we are helping Costa Rica to become a safer place for its citizens and for travellers and businesses from abroad, thereby protecting our interests in the region and ultimately at home."

All three initiatives will be funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Anti-Crime Capacity-Building Program (ACCBP), launched by Prime Minister Harper in 2009. The ACCBP provides up to $15 million a year to help countries within the Americas prevent and respond to threats posed by criminals operating throughout the western hemisphere.

The measures announced today aim to enhance regional stability and security and are consistent with the Government's Engagement in the Americas strategy, which is focused on: reinforcing democratic governance, increasing economic prosperity and advancing our common security.

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News Release

2011-08-11T11:53:00.001-06:00

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

PM announces improvements to visa services in Costa Rica

Facilitating Costa Rican travel to Canada

August 11, 2011
San José, Costa Rica

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced improvements to visa services and the opening of a Visa Application Centre in Costa Rica, which will make Canada an even more attractive destination for Costa Rican travellers. The Prime Minister made this announcement during a roundtable discussion with local business leaders.

"In 2010, Canada had the pleasure of welcoming thousands of Costa Rican visitors to our country," said the Prime Minister. "Improved visa services in Costa Rica will serve to address the number one irritant for the business community and encourage more tourists, students, business people and workers to visit Canada."

The Government is increasing the number of Visa Application Centres around the world, while improving services at existing locations. This new centre is scheduled to open in September 2011 and supports Canada's efforts to strengthen its engagement in the Americas.

The Visa Application Centre in Costa Rica will also provide applicants with the option to have their visa issued at the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica, eliminating the need to send their passport outside of the country.

Canada currently has Visa Application Centres in 20 countries.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-11T11:53:00.000-06:00

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

Canadian Visa Application Centres

August 11, 2011
San José, Costa Rica

On August 11, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced improvements to visa services and the opening of a Visa Application Centre in San José, Costa Rica. The improved services – which support Canada's efforts to strengthen its engagement in the Americas – aim to make applying for Canadian visas more convenient, address the number one irritant for the business community, and help position Canada as a preferred destination for business, study and leisure.

Visa Application Centre agents are available to help applicants fill out their forms and answer questions about the application process. They ensure applications are complete, which reduces the rate of returned applications and ultimately leads to faster processing. This low-cost service also lessens the potential for people to fall victim to fraud.

Visa Application Centres send applications to Visa offices and transmit decisions to applicants in a confidential manner, which eliminates the need for applicants to queue at Visa offices.

The Visa Application Centre in Costa Rica will also provide the option to applicants to have their visa issued at the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica, eliminating the need to send their passport outside of the country to be issued a visa. The advantage is that travelers will be able to hold onto their passport and continue to travel while their visa application is being processed.

Canada currently has Visa Application Centres in 20 countries: Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, China, Guinea, Kazakhstan, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Mongolia, Moldova, Nepal, Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uganda and Vietnam.

In addition to the new Visa Application Centre in Costa Rica, nine more centres are scheduled to open in August 2011: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru and Venezuela, as well as in Brasília, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Seven further centres are scheduled to open in September 2011: Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay and Uruguay.

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Statement

2011-08-10T18:23:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada in Bogotá, Colombia

August 10, 2011
Bogotá, Colombia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks while on an official visit in Bogotá, Colombia:

"Mr. President, it is a pleasure to return to this beautiful country that I first visited in 2007.

"It is also a great pleasure, to be with you here today in the first year of your presidency, and I must say, on this your 60th birthday, we congratulate you!

"Your accession to office adds yet more proof to the progress of democratic institutions in this country.

"And thank you, Mr. President, for the hospitality extended to myself and all of the members of the Canadian delegation.

"Long after the rigours of travel are forgotten, we shall remember the warmth of your welcome.

"President Santos and I held productive discussions about Colombian and regional affairs, Canadian engagements here and future possibilities.

"Colombia is a key regional partner with Canada in important objectives – spreading democracy, promoting human rights and improving hemispheric security.

"Especially, it is a partner in making our peoples prosperous by opening markets.

"And today we are here to mark an historic moment in our relations: the coming into force of the Free Trade Agreement between our two countries.

"Signed in 2008, passed by our parliament in 2010, this Agreement – the first between Colombia and a G-8 nation – lays the basis for even greater economic interaction between our peoples.

"Already, Canada-Colombia trade has blossomed.

"Colombia has the fifth-largest economy in Latin America, and it is Canada's second-largest export destination in the region.

"It is for reasons such as this that last year, two-way merchandise trade between us reached nearly $1.4 billion.

"Investment flows have also risen.

"Colombia is the fifth-largest destination for Canadian direct investment in all of Central and South America.

"More than 70 Canadian companies are creating jobs and wealth in Colombia, in oil, gas, mining, the financial sector, wholesale distribution, education, footwear, tissue paper, food processing, satellite technology, legal services, I could go on, but it is a very long list, a catalogue of opportunities for both of our countries,

"And it's no accident.

"Diversifying trade and economic activity like this is the focal point of Canada's renewed outreach to its hemispheric neighbours.

"Since 2006, Canadian ministers have paid 175 visits to Latin American countries.

"Canada has signed, or is now negotiating, free trade agreements with more than 20 of our hemispheric neighbours.

"I should like to thank President Santos for his personal efforts in implementing this Agreement.

"Here, as elsewhere, Canada also invests heavily in promoting human rights, reducing poverty and supporting justice.

"The key to all of these great objectives, however, is prosperity.

"And the key to prosperity is trade.

"And with this Agreement, our governments have taken a big step forward.

"And we look forward to seeing you, Mr. President, next year in Cartagena,
when you host the Summit of the Americas."

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News Release

2011-08-10T12:59:00.001-06:00

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

PM announces coming into force of Free Trade Agreement with Colombia

Opening markets for Canadian businesses to create new jobs and economic growth

August 10, 2011
Bogotá, Colombia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come into force on August 15, 2011. The announcement was made jointly with the President of the Republic of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, during Prime Minister Harper's official visit to Colombia. The Prime Minister also announced increased Canadian assistance to strengthen human rights in Colombia.

"Our Government has been hard at work opening new markets abroad for Canadian businesses, which creates jobs for Canadians," said Prime Minister Harper. "Colombia has a burgeoning economy with incredible potential for commercial linkages with Canadian entrepreneurs. Improving trade and expanding market opportunities also helps to build a better future for the next generation. Our Government continues to support efforts to safeguard and promote human rights that make a real difference for children, youth, families and communities."

Fostering trade liberalization and expanding commercial ties in the Americas supports job creation and economic growth in Canada and for our trading partners. The Canada-Colombia FTA will help Canadian businesses improve access to an emerging market of 45.5 million people and an economy with a high growth potential. The FTA will benefit Canada's producers and exporters, reduce or eliminate tariffs on nearly all current Canadian exports, and provide a more predictable, transparent and rules-based trading environment for Canadian investors.

Canada and Colombia enjoy a healthy trade relationship with two-way merchandise trade in 2010 reaching $1.4 billion, an increase of 32 per cent from 2005. In the Caribbean and Latin America region (excluding Mexico), Colombia is Canada's fifth largest merchandise trading partner and our second largest merchandise export destination.

The Government is also committed to ensuring people from all walks of life in Colombia have better, safer lives. Through the Canadian International Development Agency, Canada is working with UNICEF Canada to increase access to education, and strengthen protections for children from sexual exploitation and abuse. We also support the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor, advocate and report on human rights, enhancing the capacity of the Colombian government to protect citizens' rights, prevent abuse and investigate violations.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-10T12:59:00.000-06:00

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

Improving free trade and human rights in Colombia

August 10, 2011
Bogotá, Colombia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper along with President Juan Manuel Santos announced that the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will come into force on August 15, 2011. The Prime Minister also announced increased assistance to strengthen human rights in Colombia.

Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement

The Government is committed to an ambitious free trade and investment agenda that will create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.

Colombia is an established market for Canadian businesses, and the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will benefit a wide range of exporters and service providers, as well as promote a more stable and predictable climate for Canadian investment.

Canada ratified the FTA, and parallel agreements on labour cooperation and the environment on June 29, 2010. Once implemented, this FTA will benefit Canada's producers and exporters, reduce or eliminate tariffs on nearly all current Canadian exports, and provide a more predictable, transparent and rules-based trading environment for Canadian investors.

The FTA includes a separate agreement that will call for Canada and Colombia to produce annual reports on the impacts of free trade on human rights in both countries. This agreement will also enter into force on August 15, 2011, and join a range of initiatives – including advocacy and bilateral and development cooperation – through which Canada supports Colombia's ongoing efforts towards greater peace, security, prosperity and respect for human rights.

Colombia is a dynamic emerging market with 45.5 million people and an economy with high growth potential. An increasing number of Canadian investors and exporters are entering the Colombian market. In 2010, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Colombia totalled more than $1.4 billion, with hundreds of Canadian companies doing business with Colombia. Colombia is also a strategic destination for Canadian direct investment, particularly in mining, oil exploration, printing and education. The total stock of Canadian direct investment in Colombia reached $824 million in 2010.

Over 70 Canadian companies have foreign direct investment in Colombia, concentrated in the oil and gas, mining, banking, wholesale distribution, education, footwear, paper and food processing sectors.

On June 29, 2010, legislation to implement Canada's Free Trade Agreement with Colombia received Royal Assent. The agreement will reduce or eliminate tariffs, and provide a more predictable, transparent and rules-based trading environment for investors.

Canada signed a double taxation agreement with Colombia on November 21, 2008. Implementing legislation for this agreement received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010. Canada sent its notice of ratification to Colombia on December 20, 2010. The agreement, however, will not enter into force until Colombia sends its notice of ratification.

Improving Human Rights in Colombia

Prime Minister Harper also announced three projects that will support the Government of Colombia in its efforts to improve human rights in the country. These commitments, being delivered through the Canadian International Development Agency, along with multilateral partners, will help reduce inequality and poverty in the most vulnerable populations, with a special focus on children and youth.

Achieving the Rights of Children and Adolescents ($17,000,000)

In partnership with: UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) 2009-2014

This project:

Focuses on the most disadvantaged areas of the country and on vulnerable population groups (Afro-Colombians, indigenous peoples, internally displaced people, people affected by violence, and individuals living in rural or poor areas).
Prioritizes 11 departments in which key social development and child rights indicators are significantly below national averages and where violence has had a significant impact on children and their families.
Will support the implementation of a policy to guarantee early childhood education for 400,000 children under the age of five; will contribute to improving the quality of education for school children; and, will promote the active participation of adolescents and children in the development of education programs and government plans that promote and protect their rights.
At the national level, the project will support the government's efforts in the implementation of the Colombian Child and Adolescent Code.

Sustainable Development for Youth in Rural Nariño ($10,000,000)

In partnership with: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) 2010-2015

The project:

Supports vulnerable and at-risk youth in nine municipalities of the southern Department – or administrative divisions – of Nariño to help them generate, and benefit from, legal and sustainable economic initiatives to improve their quality of life.
Aims to increase the sustainable economic options for those youth and provides training and technical assistance to develop income-generating projects, to access markets, as well as to enhance production of agricultural and non-agricultural goods.
Further strengthens local government and civil society institutions in order for them to better support youth as agents of sustainable economic development and peace.

Human Rights Protection in Colombia ($8,000,000)

With: OHCHR (United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) 2011-2015

Through this project, Canada is supporting the OHCHR in Colombia, whose activities include the fight against impunity, and the strengthening of the capacity of the Colombian government to investigate human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law. The Commissioner's Office also works to ensure the protection of, and provision of assistance to, victims of armed conflicts, human rights defenders and members of the judiciary. Canada's support helps ensure the continuation of the Commissioner's Office's efforts to fulfil its monitoring and reporting mandate in Colombia.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-10T12:56:00.001-06:00

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

Support for peace and security projects in Colombia

August 10, 2011
Bogotá, Columbia

On August 10, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Canadian support for new and ongoing projects which aim to enhance peace, security and justice in Colombia and the region. The measures announced today are consistent with the Government's Engagement in the Americas strategy, which is focused on: reinforcing democratic governance, increasing economic prosperity and advancing our common security.

The Global Peace and Security Fund

Canada is committing to renew its Global Peace and Security Fund (GPSF) support in Colombia, at $5 million annually, for another year. The contributions announced today build on $25 million already invested in Colombia's peace and security sectors since 2006. The following new and ongoing projects will benefit from the renewed funding:

Mission to Support the Peace Process (MAPP)

The MAPP was created by the Organization of American States (OAS) at the request of the Colombian government and it is the key entity that ensures the credibility, impartiality and effectiveness of Colombia's demobilization, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) program, and the Justice and Peace Law process. It has 14 field offices that monitor and document programs for demobilized combatants and victims, as well as assist ex-combatants and victims in accessing reintegration and justice activities at the local level. Since President Santos declared land restitution a priority for his government in August 2010, the program has the new role of independently documenting this process and ensuring its effectiveness. Canada is contributing $1 million, as part of a $2-million project over the next two years.

Programme for the Strengthening of the Justice System

This is a coordinated, multi-donor program, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), that provides financial and policy support to Colombian government institutions responsible for implementing the Justice and Peace Law (JPL). It funds initiatives such as: integrated victim attention centres; training and specialists in the Attorney General's Office and Public Defender's Office; providing protection and security for victims and witnesses facing threats; and facilitating victims' participation in judicial processes for ex-combatants, such as the public confessions of paramilitary commanders. Canada is contributing $538,000 this year, as part of a $1-million project.

Implementation of the National Land Restitution Policy

This project supports the International Organization for Migration and the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture to implement Colombia's new Land Restitution Policy in seven pilot municipalities in the Montes de María region in the province of Sucre. Through this project, about 750 families that were forcibly displaced by armed groups will receive legal land titles and will be allowed to return to their land. Canada is providing $488,000 this year.

Access to Justice for Indigenous Communities and other Victims of Conflict

The Canadian non-governmental organization, Avocats Sans Frontières (Lawyers Without Borders), works with several human rights lawyers' groups in Colombia to provide legal representation to victims of armed groups and human rights violations, build coordinated legal strategies nationally and internationally, and provide volunteer Canadian lawyers to accompany Colombian lawyers facing threats due to their work. Canada is contributing $620,000 this year, as part of a three-year project of $1.9 million.

Legal Aid and Counselling for Women Victims of Sexual Violence in Colombia's Conflict

Implemented by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), this project focuses on women who are forcibly displaced and suffer stigma attached to sexual violence. It brings together five women's and legal aid organizations to coordinate their documentation, prosecution strategies, and victim support work. The project funds lawyers to represent the female victims, psychologists to provide trauma counselling to the victims, and researchers to document and analyse the nature and extent of sexual violence by armed groups in Colombia. Canada has contributed $728,000 to this project over the past 1.5 years.

Resolving Cases of Missing Persons in Colombia's Conflict

This project funds EQUITAS (Colombian Interdisciplinary Team for Forensic Work and Psychosocial Services), a specialized civil society organization to investigate and document cases of missing people, mostly victims of forced disappearance by armed groups. It provides training and coordination with government forensic and justice agencies, builds minimum standards for investigations, and provides counselling and support to victims' families. Canada has contributed $473,000 to this project over the past 1.5 years.

Advancing Justice through use of Ex-Combatant Voluntary Confessions

This project funds a specialized report that compiles the evidence released through the voluntary confessions of demobilized combatants, documents and analyzes the nature, extent, and patterns of the actions of armed groups. This report will be used by prosecutors and judges working on these cases, and will increase media and public understanding of these crimes. The project is being implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Commission for Reparations and Reconciliation. Canada has contributed $300,000 to this project over the past two years.

Legal Assistance to Victims

This project funds lawyers of the Colombian Commission of Jurists (CCJ) as well as lawyers to represent victims of conflict – notably, rural Colombians, indigenous people, Afro-Colombians, and women – in legal cases within the national and international justice systems. Canada has contributed $500,000 to this project over the past two years.

Regional Independent Policy and Advocacy on Peace and Security

The International Crisis Group provides independent policy-oriented conflict analysis on the changing balance of power and politics in Colombia's ongoing conflict as well as analysis on implications for peace, and links between security and human rights policy in the resolution of Colombia's conflict. It also provides an early warning function on emerging conflict situations and advocates for key actions and policy responses by the international community. Canada is contributing $638,000 to this project over two years.

Security in Colombia and the Region

The following projects will benefit from a contribution of over $5.5 million through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Anti-Crime Capacity-Building Program (ACCBP) and the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program (CTCBP):

Combating Trafficking of Persons in Colombia

This project seeks to strengthen Colombia's capacity to develop and implement sustainable and coordinated actions such as enhanced prosecutions and law reform in order to prevent and combat human trafficking. Activities include: training legal professionals and law enforcement; technical legal assistance; and meetings on local sustainability plans. Canada's contribution to this initiative, which is implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), totals $194,700 from the ACCBP.

Improving Border Management and Law Enforcement

This project aims to enhance the capacities of law enforcement and migration officers in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Colombia to fight transnational crime. Specifically, activities include: training to prevent human trafficking and migrant smuggling; development of learning materials for future training; qualitative border studies; regional cooperation on border management; and, the development of an information campaign to raise awareness about transnational crimes among the population. Canada's contribution to this initiative, through the ACCBP, is over $397,000 and is currently being implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Protecting Major Events

This project aims to enforce the permanent mechanism of cooperation among all OAS Member States for security planning and protection of major events. The main objective is to boost new mechanisms, tools, and activities, for the protection of major events that could be the target of criminal activities or other security threats. Canada has committed over $2.29 million from the ACCBP to the OAS for the implementation of this initiative.

Legal Regime against Terrorism in Colombia

The goal of this project is to support Colombia in reviewing its judicial system and providing assistance in drafting legislation for international initiatives against terrorism. By assisting Colombia in further implementing the UN conventions and protocols against terrorism (including activities, incidents and financing), these instruments will become more universal and create a more effective international environment for combating terrorism. Canada is contributing over $694,000 for this project from the CTCBP to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its implementation.

Cyber Security Program

This project, implemented by the OAS, is focused on assisting states in the Americas to prevent, monitor and respond to cyber threats by enhancing national-level planning and coordination, as well as regional cooperation. Through this project, states are encouraged to join the OAS Secure Hemispheric Network of Cyber Security Incident-Response Teams (CSIRTs). Canada is contributing over $1.2 million from the CTCBP.

Response to Emerging Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Threats

This second phase of the OAS project on Emerging CBRN threats focuses on designing and simulating realistic exercises to examine contingency planning and mitigation strategies in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago. These exercises are intended to prepare and improve contingency plans, and promote interagency coordination. They also focus on bioterrorism, an area identified as an emerging threat by OAS members. The exercises will target senior policymakers and technical experts from OAS Member States. Canada has committed over $938,000 from the CTCBP to the OAS for this initiative.

Military Training and Cooperation Program

The Department of National Defence's (DND) Military Assistance Steering Committee Working Group has admitted Colombia as a member of Canada's Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) for its 2011-2014 cycle.

There is significant potential to develop defence ties between Colombia and Canada in areas such as military training and education, domestic and international operations, human rights, military justice, and defence governance. The Program will help support Colombia's achievements in the areas of governance and security and its leadership role in the region.

The Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) is one of Canada's primary instruments of military diplomacy designed to support Canada's contribution to international peace and security through training programs. Training is provided to approximately 1,000 students annually from more than 62 member states.

The MTCP key objectives are to:

Enhance peace support operations and interoperability among Canada's partners to lessen the operational burden on Canada. This includes:
- Enhancing their ability to communicate in English/French;
- Improving their understanding of democratic control over the armed forces and their professionalism; and
- Developing their capacity to undertake multilateral peace support operations.
Develop participants' capabilities to operate effectively in joint missions with the Canadian Armed Forces and other allies. Such interoperability benefits the Canadian Forces by promoting burden sharing, and increasing the number of countries that can effectively operate in joint missions.
Help expand and reinforce bilateral defence relationships and development of mutual training activities with member nations and allies, while laying the foundation for future cooperation ventures. The program also promotes Canadian democratic principles, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in the international arena.

With an annual budget of approximately $17 million, the program runs courses in Canada and abroad.

The MTCP is managed by an interdepartmental working group, composed of stakeholders from Department of National Defence, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Public Safety Canada, and the Canadian International Development Agency.

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News Release

2011-08-10T12:56:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces Canadian support for peace and security projects in Colombia

August 10, 2011
Bogotá, Colombia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced Canadian support for new and ongoing projects that will enhance peace, security and justice in Colombia and the region. Areas of focus include preventing conflict, combating transnational criminal activity, facilitating access to justice, responding to the global threat of terrorism, ensuring security at major events and land restitution. The announcement was made during an official visit with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.

"In recent years, Colombia has made significant progress in its fight against crime and violence," said the Prime Minister. "Canada supports for the efforts of the Colombian government to provide peace, security and justice for its citizens."

Canada's contribution will support several new and ongoing projects led by Canadian and international organizations.Funding for projects will be provided through programs such as:

The Global Peace and Security Fund (GPSF): Managed by the Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force (START), the GPSF provides financial and operational resources that contribute to conflict prevention and peace building, including justice and security system reform initiatives in acutely fragile and crisis-affected countries. The contributions announced today build on $25 million already invested in Colombia's peace and security sectors since 2006.
The Anti-Crime Capacity-Building Program (ACCBP): Launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2009, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's ACCBP provides up to $15 million a year to enhance the capacity of countries to prevent and respond to threats posed by transnational criminal activity throughout the Americas.
The Counter-Terrorism Capacity-Building Program (CTCBP): Created in 2005, the CTCBP has a $13 million annual allocation to provide other states with training, equipment and technological and legal assistance to help them prevent and respond to global terrorist activity. The principal focus of the program includes law enforcement, military and intelligence cooperation; border and transportation security; and legislative assistance.

The peace and security measures announced today aim to enhance regional stability and security and are consistent with the Government's Engagement in the Americas strategy. The strategy is focused on three objectives: reinforcing democratic governance, increasing economic prosperity and advancing our common security.

While in Bogotá, the Prime Minister also announced that Colombia has been admitted as a member of Canada's Military Training and Cooperation Program for its 2011-2014 cycle.

"Canada welcomes the opportunity to increase our cooperation and exchanges with Colombia in the defence field," said Prime Minister Harper. "Colombia is a very significant addition to this program, which will assist in building its military's capabilities of supporting international peace and security operations."

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Statement

2011-08-09T19:24:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada while in São Paulo, Brazil

August 9, 2011
São Paulo, Brazil

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks while in São Paulo, Brazil:

"Good afternoon, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

"Greetings to the Canadian delegation, also to members of the Canada-Brazil Chamber of Commerce here in São Paulo.

"The opportunity to speak to such a high-powered audience as yourselves is a welcome privilege and we thank you for joining us today.

"It is, of course, great to be here in São Paulo and great to be in Brazil.

"I'd like to thank begin by once again, thanking President Rousseff and the government of Brazil for the warm welcome we've received.

"As you know, we have only been in São Paulo a matter of hours, but it's very easy to see why it has been named a world city.

"The soaring buildings, the bustling construction activity, the beauty of the surrounding region, all evoke a powerful energy and enthusiasm.

"It is a coming together of peoples and cultures to make a whole that is vastly more than the sum of its parts.

"Now, of course, this is very familiar to us as Canadians and that is principally what I want to talk to you about today: the similarities and opportunities between our two great countries.

"For although we are separated by great distances – and sometimes great temperatures - in many ways, Canada and Brazil complement each other.

"Already there is much that we are doing together, but, I believe there is much more we can do together in the future: In trade, in energy, in education, in infrastructure.

"And, in a larger sense, much of what I have just said of the impressiveness of São Paulo is the story of today's Brazil.

"And what a story it is. For, when the world looks at Brazil, what does it see?

"It sees a new industrial power, forging ahead with information and communication technologies, justly proud of its aircraft industry and well on the way to becoming a space-faring nation with its own orbital launch capacity.

"It sees a clean energy giant, with particularly well-developed hydro and ethanol production.

"It also sees a massive new supplier of oil and a giant to feed the hungry, yet a country whose deep commitment to the environment has led it to make great efforts to preserve the Amazon rainforest.

"And the world sees remarkable growth, as Brazil prepares to build and revitalize the airports, ports, railways and other infrastructure it needs as a great power.

"Finally, we see this: a powerful democracy at the hub of a great continent; one that rebukes the world's doubters by showing that deep in the heart of all peoples, even those once confined by dictatorship, the passion for freedom never dies.

"And when it boils over, as it did here in Brazil, the world is enriched by a neighbour dedicated to peace: a people with the capacity to prosper, a government eager to promote human rights.

"In other words, a glorious nation, confident in its strength.

"Such is Brazil – now the world's seventh largest economy, bound to move up in the rankings, a nation in which good policy and sound management have helped it do well through the global recession.

"Brazil has proven to be well worthy of its place in the G-20. I know we in Canada have been working closely on important ideas to guide new developments in the international economic system with our Brazilian counterparts.

"We have also partnered in Haiti, where Brazil leads the UN Stabilization Mission to that struggling nation.

"For these and many other reasons, Canadians applaud as Brazil takes its rightful place on the world stage.

"In your story, we see some of our own, the same story of progress from colonial status, to federalism and mature independence.

"The same outward urge, from our first cities to our respective vast frontiers, the Amazon and the Arctic.

"The same evolution of our economies, from resource extraction, to industrialization, to the remarkable new world of knowledge-based innovation. And of course, the same passion for freedom, democracy and justice not only at home, but around the world.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the rise of Brazil is an inspiration to those who watched, and it must surely be a great satisfaction to the people of Brazil themselves.

"The rise of Brazil is also a story in which Canadians would welcome the opportunity to play a larger role.

"In some ways, to do that would simply be a return to older Canadian priorities, for our great countries have been actively involved before: viewed through the long lens of history, the comparative lack of engagement during the second half of the last century was an historical anomaly.

"It was 70 years ago that Brazil opened a legation in Ottawa, shortly before it joined the Second World War as a partner with the allies against the Axis powers.

"Not long after, Canada opened its embassy in Brazil.

"But way before then, in 1866, even before our provinces united in Confederation, Canada realized the importance of Brazil by opening our first trade office here.

"Ten years after that – this is 1876 – we were pleased to receive a state visit from the Brazilian Emperor Pedro II, during his trip to North America.

"I must tell you that he stopped and did various things. He stopped to admire Canada's signature Niagara Falls – declaring them to be 'most beautiful.'

"But then, patriot that he was, he then declared those of Paulo Afonso to be 'more sublime.'

"He also paid an early morning visit to Montreal's Bonsecours Market, expressing, as a contemporary Canadian newspaper reported, 'a favourable opinion in regard to Canada's productions.'

"And there is a charming story of how he received a personal demonstration of the telephone from Alexander Graham Bell.

"As Bell recited some Shakespeare, the astonished Emperor blurted out, "This thing talks!'

"But just a year later, in 1877, he brought Brazil – South America, in fact – its first telephone.

"The fact is that the Emperor's visit was an entirely serious matter.

"A scouting trip to review the leading technologies of the day for Brazil's use.

"Nineteenth-century Brazilians had this in common with today's Brazil: they had a vision for their country; they knew that development would require technology, the newest and the best.

"And, in the years that followed, Canadians were prominent among those filling Brazil's urgent demands for the tools of development that were available in those days: finance, railcars, electrical power.

"I wish I could say that, 135 years later, nothing has changed.

"But friends, too much grass grows in the cracks on the road between our two great countries. It is time for increased ambition and that is why I am here today.

"For, although Brazil is Canada's largest trading partner in South America, our two countries still did barely six billion dollars in business last year, despite having a combined GDP of close to four trillion dollars.

"And amazingly, that humble total represented a 40 per cent increase, year over year.

"We are encouraged that there is growth.

"Unequivocally, there is interest: two-way investment between Canada and Brazil reached 23 billion dollars in 2010, driven by more than 400 Canadian companies in Brazil. I know many are represented here today such as Brookfield, Scotiabank, Research in Motion, Telesat, SNC Lavalin and Kinross.

"Meanwhile, Brazil is the eighth-highest source of foreign direct investment in Canada, thanks to firms like Vale, Votorantim, Gerdau and Ambev.

"Still, when you do the math, total merchandise trade is still little more than one tenth of one per cent of our joint gross domestic product.

"For two friendly countries, I think we could be friendlier than that.

"Canada has intensely attractive economic fundamentals.

"It seems we are a rarity today: A developed country with a strong fiscal position, a rock-solid banking sector and healthy job growth.

"Let me say something about this, by the way. Both our countries have strong economic fundamentals, and I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about what's been going on in the markets.

"I know we're all intensely following this, the great volatility, but I want to repeat what I said earlier. As much as I know this is important, these market signals are important, we as policy makers should not ignore them.

"But I do think way too much emphasis is placed on these day to day movements in stock markets. When there are paper gains, people are euphoric about them. When there are paper losses, pessimism spreads everywhere.

"The fact of the matter is that our two countries have great economic fundamentals.

"We have great endowments of resources, material, technological and human.

"We have great opportunities and needs of our peoples, and what we need to be doing as policy makers in government and also as policy makers in business is focusing less on these day to day market movements and more on the great opportunities that are sitting in front of us if we focus on the medium and long term, and make sure we build wealth, trade and job creation for our two countries.

"Ladies and gentlemen, since 2006, we have been actively reaching out to our neighbours in the Americas.

"We have signed, or are negotiating, free trade agreements with more than 20 of our hemispheric neighbours.

"There have been more than 175 visits back and forth at the ministerial level, between our countries.

"Here in Brazil, we have opened new trade offices in Recife and Porto Alegre.

"Last year, our Government led a business mission here in São Paulo and in Rio de Janeiro, seeking opportunities for Canadian business.

"And just six weeks ago, my friend and colleague Ed Fast, Canada's Minister of International trade, was here in São Paulo, and also in Brasília, where he discussed with your government the deepening of trade relations between our two countries.

"We believe there is enormous untapped potential for increased trade between Brazil and Canada.

"In making this visit to Brazil, I hope to demonstrate Canada's keen interest in taking our relationship to the next level.

"Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with President Rousseff.

"We took stock of our situation.

"Over the past five years, Canada and Brazil have reached a new level of maturity and positive engagement.

"For example, we have also established scholarship programs to encourage two-way academic mobility.

"Some 16,000 Brazilian students came to Canada to study last year, making Canada the number-one destination for Brazilians studying languages abroad.

"Education is a core element in President Rousseff's plan to eradicate poverty and support employment, growth and prosperity.

"We agree and Canada was pleased to host the first Conference of the Americas on International Education in my hometown of Calgary, in 2010.

"I am therefore happy to announce that His Excellency the Governor General of Canada, David Johnson a distinguished academic in his own right – will lead the Canadian delegation to the second Conference of the Americas on International Education when Brazil hosts it in Rio de Janeiro next spring.

"Another example of increased collaboration is the aerospace industry.

"We have agreed to rules governing aircraft export financing. The principle is this: we all believe in competition. But, we want competition has to be between businesses, not governments.

"In the case of aircraft, it has to be between Embraer and Bombardier, not Brazilian and Canadian taxpayers.

"As a result, aerospace is becoming a promising area of increased partnership between our industries, and of increased jobs and growth.

"For instance, Air Canada already uses the Embraer E-90 between Ottawa and Calgary, and Canadian companies are part Of Embraer's supply chain.

"What this should show us is that when we work out those things that divide us, we initiate a virtuous circle of goodwill, cooperation and economic opportunity.

"Yesterday we signed the Canada-Brazil Air Transport Agreement.

"Among other things, this means more options for travellers as Canadian and Brazilian airlines offer service using the flights of each other's airlines.

"There's also an Agreement on Social Security, a Memorandum of Understanding on Olympics Games Cooperation – something I will come back to – and another on working together in the developing world.

"On that last point, Brazil is an increasingly important development partner.

"And Brazil's remarkable accomplishment - lifting 20 million of its citizens out of extreme poverty – has given it unique expertise that Canada can and will draw on in our own international development efforts.

"We also launched three new Visa Application Centers for Brazilian applicants.

"Finally, President Rousseff and I capped it off with the Canada-Brazil Science and Technology Joint Action Plan, which is a direct outcome of our 2008 Science and Technology Agreement.

"It was a good day's work.

"It capped months and years of good work by Canadian and Brazilian officials, that we are determined to build on.

"That includes, very importantly, formally exploring how to deepen trading relations between Canada and Mercosur.

"This is the logical next step in our journey forward.

"While those discussions progress, the way remains clear for Canada and Brazil to identify key sectors in which strengthened cooperation and deepened partnerships could prove mutually beneficial.

"Canada has well-developed capabilities in areas where Brazil anticipates significant needs and growth.

"To name a few: infrastructure, resource extraction, including oil and gas, financial services, agribusiness, aerospace, clean technologies, new media, and engineering.

"Which leads me to another important announcement.

"Yesterday, President Rousseff and I announced the creation of the Canada-Brazil CEO Forum.

"This forum will bring together our business leaders.

"The forum's deliberations should help produce a common vision for economic relations between our two countries, provide policy advice to both governments, and ultimately lead to the things we want to see: more trade, investment, opportunities and the bottom line –more jobs and growth in both countries.

"Today, I am happy to announce that the Canadian co-chairman of the Canada-Brazil CEO Forum will be one of Canada's prominent bankers, Mr. Rick Waugh.

"For the last eight years, Rick has been President and CEO of Scotiabank.

"He is also a member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, a member of the Council of the Americas, and we have great confidence that together with Murilo Ferreira, who President Rousseff yesterday designated as the Brazilian co-chair, the Forum will help enlarge trade and investment between our two countries, in both directions and for the benefit of both our peoples.

"Now, before I relinquish the podium, I said I wanted to say a little more about the Olympic Games.

"First, let me congratulate not only the Brazilian Olympic Committee for securing the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also the team that won for Brazil the privilege of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2014.

"I should mention that after you have the FIFA men, Canada will welcome the world the following summer, for the women's final.

"We also look forward to welcoming you for The Pan-Am Games in Toronto, in 2015.

"We offer you more than congratulations, however.

"Canada has acquired advanced expertise in the somewhat particular requirements of the Olympics.

"The Memorandum of Understanding signed yesterday makes Canada's considerable expertise available to the Brazilian committee, and will promote business and investment opportunities for Brazilian and Canadian companies alike.

"And, I hope, the wonderful experience of hosting world athletic events will help bring our countries and our peoples closer together.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I began by talking about how as nations we had travelled parallel roads in the past.

"And so we did.

"But parallel roads never bring you together.

"Perhaps that was good enough, once upon a time.

"But I suggest to you that it is not good enough any more.

"We live in a fast-changing world.

"Relationships are changing.

"New actors, Brazil among them, are making their voices heard.

"Some older actors like Canada are outperforming their peers.

"It is increasingly hard to predict what the world will look like in the future or what may be demanded of any of us.

"What will matter, for sure, is goodwill, trade and the strength and hope that prosperity makes possible.

"My earnest hope is that, in the days and months to come, we will make good decisions for the decades that follow: decisions that will put us, not on parallel tracks, but on a common highway to a great destiny together.

"Thank you again for your invitation and for your attention."

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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Statement

2011-08-09T16:16:00.000-06:00

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

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on National Peacekeepers' Day

August 9, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark National Peacekeepers' Day:

"For over 60 years, Canada has sent her sons and daughters around the world to promote values we hold so dear: peace, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Today, we salute Canada's peacekeepers, who have always been willing to step forward to serve our country and the world in times of need.

"Peacekeepers do more than just walk a line, keeping warring factions apart. They deliver humanitarian aid, help refugees return to their homes and ensure their continued safety by clearing mines and other dangers left over from conflicts. Peacekeepers also help nurture stable government and human rights by supporting elections, and training police forces and the judiciary.

"Canada has participated in the majority of United Nations and NATO peacekeeping operations, sending tens of thousands of men and women to more than 40 countries on the brink of collapse.

"Today, I join all Canadians in remembering the peacekeepers who have sacrificed so much, even their lives, so others can know peace. Each one has made a real and lasting difference by helping to bring freedom and democracy to countries devastated by conflict. As Canadians, we take pride in their efforts and we are grateful for their service."

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News Release

2011-08-09T11:10:00.000-06:00

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

Governor General to lead Canadian delegation at Conference of the Americas on International Education

August 9, 2011
São Paulo, Brazil

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will lead a delegation of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) to the second Conference of the Americas on International Education (CAIE) being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from April 25-28, 2012.

These students will inevitably become the next generation of entrepreneurs, job creators and researchers. They are the leaders who will pave the way into long term prosperity and economic growth.

The conference will provide a forum for academic leaders to discuss issues and opportunities related to international collaboration in higher education. In 2012, the CAIE will focus on a number of areas related to the internationalization of higher education.

The Governor General's participation in the CAIE will serve to raise Canada's profile as a country of choice for students from all parts of the world. Each year international students bring their rich culture to Canadian classrooms and contribute to our country's economy. Conversely, Canadians participating in international study programs bring back innovative ideas that help promote jobs and economic growth at home.

The CAIE – whose objective is to promote worldwide academic collaboration – is held every 18 months, alternating between the Southern and Northern hemisphere. Its first edition was held in October 2010, in Calgary, Alberta and was attended by over 650 participants from 44 countries, spanning five continents. The Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE) will assume the role of Secretariat for this year's conference, while Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will provide support.

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Backgrounder

2011-08-09T11:03:00.001-06:00

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

Biography Rick Waugh

August 10, 2011
Brasília, Brazil

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the appointment of Mr. Rick Waugh as Canadian co-chair of the new Canada-Brazil CEO Forum. The Forum was announced jointly with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff during the Prime Minister's visit to Brasília on August 7, 2011.

Mr. Waugh is currently President and CEO of Scotiabank, a position he has held since 2003.

He began his career with Scotiabank in 1970 as a branch employee. Over the years, he has served in the Bank's treasury, as well as in the corporate, international and retail banking areas. He was appointed Vice-Chairman, Corporate Banking, in 1995, and Vice-Chairman, International Banking and Wealth Management, in 1998. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Bank. He is also a member of the Council of the Americas, and is on the Chairman's International Advisory Council for the Americas Society.

Outside Scotiabank, Mr. Waugh is an active community leader. He serves on a wide variety of corporate, academic and philanthropic councils and boards. Mr. Waugh is active in several charitable organizations, including the United Way of Greater Toronto, where he was Campaign Chair in 2006, the organization's 50th anniversary. He has also worked extensively with the MS Society, both as Honourary Chair of the endMS Capital Campaign and as a Board member for their Scientific Research Foundation. He is a director of St. Michael's Hospital and Co-Chair of the Hospital's Campaign to build the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute.

Mr. Waugh holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba, a Master of Business Administration from York University, and Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from York University and Assumption University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. He was also awarded the Merit of Honor, Council of the Americas, for his distinguished contribution to the Americas.

Rick and his wife have three sons.

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News Release

2011-08-09T11:03:00.000-06:00

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

PM announces Canadian co-chair of Canada-Brazil CEO Forum

August 10, 2011
Brasília, Brazil

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointment of Mr. Rick Waugh as Canadian co-chair of the new Canada-Brazil CEO Forum. The Canada-Brazil CEO Forum is a new initiative that will help Canadian and Brazilian businesses grow bilateral trade and increase investment between the two countries.

"Our Government is committed to opening new markets for Canadian businesses to create jobs and ensure our long-term prosperity," Prime Minister Harper said. "As President and CEO of Scotiabank and an advocate of deeper economic ties with Canada's partners in the Americas, Rick Waugh's role within this new Forum will help strengthen the economic relationship between our countries."

Increasing and deepening trade and investment between Canada and Brazil will directly benefit Canadian workers, businesses and their families, by creating jobs and prosperity, and promoting economic growth, while also strengthening Canada's competitive position within the global economy. These objectives are consistent with Canada's Engagement in the Americas strategy, which includes a focus on increasing commercial ties that contribute to creating new business opportunities and jobs.

Brazil has selected Mr. Murilo Ferreira, President and CEO of Vale S.A., as its co-chair. Mr. Ferreira brings extensive experience to the Forum as the head of one of the world's largest mining companies.

Both co-chairs will begin the process of identifying Forum participants.

Biographical notes for Mr. Rick Waugh are attached.

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2011-08-09T10:55:00.000-06:00

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