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| PM highlights strong Canadian engagement in the Asia-Pacific region - “In the past few years, our Government has been aggressively expanding commercial relations with the Asia-Pacific region to create jobs and economic benefits here at home,” said the Prime Minister. “Our efforts are yielding results. We are maximizing opportunities for our entrepreneurs through innovative trade, investment, air, and science and technology agreements. We are also attracting regional investment to Canada by ensuring a speedier transport of goods through a much strengthened Asia-Pacific Gateway.”
Since 2006, the Government has implemented a free trade agreement (FTA) with Peru and is negotiating Foreign Investment and Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Our Government has also signed six air agreements with members of the Asia-Pacific region. These efforts, along with additional trade offices in a number of countries, are generating real results. For instance, Canada’s trade with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies grew from $374.6 billion in 1994 to $654.4 billion in 2010, an average annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent.
In addition to increasing and expanding trade opportunities in the region, the government has invested over $1.4 billion in the Asia-Pacific Gateway to improve and expand our ports and infrastructure, establishing Canada as the best transportation network between North America and booming Asian economies. Examples include the construction of the four-lane South Fraser Perimeter Road along the Fraser River, a new urban highway crossing the South Saskatchewan River and substantial road and rail improvements in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia (the Robert Bank Rail Corridor).
These investments are already paying off: generating new business opportunities, improving the flow of traffic, enhancing the efficiency of the transportation system, attracting investments, and contributing to Canada’s global competitiveness.
Canada also recently approved the issuance of a 20-year licence to export liquefied natural gas from Kitimat, British Columbia to the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative will allow Canada to diversity its energy exports to growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region, further strengthening its trading partnerships with Asian economies.
12.11.2011 Honolulu
www.pm.gc.ca |
| Canada hits out at EU over visa spat - OTTAWA (AFP) – Canada lamented threats made by the European Union in an ongoing visa dispute between Ottawa and the 27-member bloc, calling for "constructive dialogue" to end the dispute.
Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon hit out EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot, who has warned Canada must lift tough visa requirements for Czechs by the end of the year, or face retaliatory measures.
"I regret the fact that Mr. Barrot chose to speak of threats while the solution lies in a constructive dialogue," Cannon said.
In a barbed statement, Cannon also praised the Frenchman's colleagues at the European Council, a Brussels body that often vies for power with Barrot and other members of the Commission.
"I recently met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden and President of the Council of the European Union, Mr. Carl Bildt... where the subject of visas was discussed in a positive way," Cannon said.
In July, Canada imposed visa requirements for travelers from the Czech Republic, an EU member, after refugee claims soared particularly among Roma people. It took similar action against Mexico.
Barrot had earlier warned that "unless the measures we are proposing are established in a satisfactory manner by the by end of 2009, then we will recommend re-imposing requirements for certain categories of Canadian citizens."
AFP www.yahoo.com 24.10.2009 |
| 9/11: Harper said what Obama should have - By Arthur Weinreb Saturday, September 12, 2009
On the first anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush spoke from Ellis Island in New York City. Bush talked about the courage of Americans: the brave passengers on Flight 93 and the emergency responders who entered the burning buildings while others fled. He talked about America’s greatness as the “nation [that] has defeated tyrants and liberated death camps and raised the lamp of liberty to every captive land” and went on to say that the enemy will not be ignored or appeased. “What our enemies have begun, we will finish” the president added.
North of the border, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien used the opportunity of the first anniversary to pontificate about what the causes of the September 11, 2001 attacks were: it was the “greed and arrogance of the West” that led to the attacks that saw almost 3,000 people lose their lives. By the “West”, Chrétien of course meant the United States of America.
How everything has changed in the past seven years.
President Barack Obama delivered a speech at the Pentagon on the eighth anniversary of the attacks. If the Pentagon had any significance as being the headquarters of the most powerful military in the world, Obama didn’t see fit to mention it. No doubt the Pentagon was chosen as the locale of the 9/11 speech only because it was a “crime scene”. While the president made passing reference to the almost 3,000 people who lost their lives back in 2001, he made no reference to the men and women in the military that are fighting America’s enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama used the opportunity to push his domestic agenda, especially health care, building schools and creating green jobs as if these things have anything to do with the tragedy eight years ago. His main emphasis was on his wish to have people perform public service which we have recently learned includes bringing under aged girls from El Salvador to the US illegally to work as prostitutes or presumably to “service the public”. Somehow in Obama’s mind by turning every September 11 into a day to focus on public service or another Earth Day, the victims of the attacks are somehow honored.
Meanwhile in Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper spent part of Friday at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa. Speaking near the memorial to honor the 24 Canadians who died in the World Trade Center buildings and on the doomed aircraft, Harper not only honored the victims of the attacks but the brave men and women in Canada’s military who have made great sacrifices in Afghanistan to prevent “such a dark day from ever re-occurring.” Harper also said that time has not lessened the impact of the events of September 11, 2001, something that is apparently lost on the current occupant of the Oval Office.
If anyone feels that the world has been turned upside down, they’re probably right.
www.canadafreepress.com |
| Statement - Government of Canada Welcomes Pope's Expression of Sorrow to Former Students of Indian Residential Schoo - Ottawa (Ontario) (April 29, 2009) - On April 29, 2009, a delegation representing former Indian residential school students, led by the Assembly of First Nations, met with Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope expressed his sorrow at “the anguish caused by the deplorable conduct of some members of the Church” experienced by Aboriginal students in residential schools.
The Government of Canada welcomes the Pope’s expression of sorrow to former students of Indian Residential Schools. This is a significant step that will allow former students and their families to continue with their healing process.
On June 11, 2008 Canada offered an apology to former students of Indian residential schools and admitted that the treatment of children in these schools was a sad chapter in our history. Canada also recognizes that the consequences of the Indian residential schools policy were profoundly negative and that this policy has had a lasting and damaging impact on Aboriginal culture, heritage and language.
We recognize that bringing closure to the legacy of the Indian residential school system lies at the heart of reconciliation and a renewal of the relationships between Aboriginal people who attended these schools, their families and communities, and all Canadians.
Chuck Strahl
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
For more information, please contact:
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Nina Chiarelli
Press Secretary
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160 |
| Prime minister Stephen Harper travels to Afghanistan - Announces additional support to help 18,000 children in Kandahar
Government of Canada
KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today travelled to Afghanistan, where he visited with Canadian Forces and civilian personnel stationed in Kandahar.
“From the very first day of the Afghan mission the men and women of the Canadian Forces and civilian officials, have served courageously and selflessly to help the people of Afghanistan build a better future,” said the Prime Minister. “Over the course of this mission our men and women in Afghanistan have made incredible sacrifices to defend our values and our interests. It is an honour for me to meet with them, to thank them, and to let them know that their country supports them. They make us very proud.”
The Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada is deepening its partnership with UNICEF and the Afghan Ministry of Education to invest in improved learning centres, construct new schools for 18,000 children in Kandahar, and provide funding for a 10-month literacy course for 2,500 women in the region.
“Investing in education is vital to improving human rights and, in particular, the rights of women in Afghanistan,” said the Prime Minister. “My message to the people of Afghanistan, and to our international partners is clear. Canada will do its part.”
The Prime Minister also visited Kandahar’s Dahla Dam project on the Arghandab River. Eighty percent of Kandahar’s population lives along the Dahla irrigation system. The Government of Canada is investing up to $50 million over three years to repair the dam and improve its surrounding irrigation system while helping train local farmers in new water management and crop production techniques.
“Canada’s Afghan mission is more than just a security operation. It is also about making a real difference in the quality of life for thousands of Afghan families,” said the Prime Minister. “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to see, first hand, the kind of meaningful contribution Canadians are making to Afghanistan’s future.”
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca
08.05.2009 |
| Flaherty Says Economy May Be in Recession - TORONTO—The global financial crisis may have pushed Canada's economy into a "technical" recession, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said on Sunday, the first time the Conservative government has conceded that possibility. "We may well be in a technical recession in the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year," Flaherty said in an interview with CTV television. "It's quite possible that Canada will be below the line slightly in both of those quarters, which technically would be a recession." Flaherty's remarks were later echoed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the close of the Asia-Pacific leaders summit in Peru. Harper said it was possible that Canada has now entered a period of "technical recession" -- defined by economists as two consecutive quarters of contraction. Harper also said he was concerned by by the emergence of rapid global deflationary pressure, which may force Canada 's government "to take unprecedented fiscal stimulus."
"The most recent private-sector forecasts suggest the strong possibility of a technical recession the end of this year, the beginning of next," Harper said.
The government's latest economic assessment follows a speech by Bank of Canada Gov. Mark Carney last week in which he said the risk of recession was growing.
The central bank is likely to cut interest rates again to keep the export-reliant economy afloat in the face of a global recession and flagging consumer demand in the United States, Canada 's main trading partner, Carney said.
Budget Update on Thursday
Flaherty is due to present updated fiscal and economic projections on Thursday.
In the CTV interview, the minister said the budget would stay balanced in the current fiscal year ending in March but a deficit was not out of the question beyond that.
"We're planning, and I'm certainly trying, to make sure that we can plan toward an operational surplus next year and the year after that. The challenge will be, of course, that we have to stimulate the economy further."
Flaherty also reiterated that any fresh economic stimulus would not come in his budget update on Thursday, saying he would consider such a package for next year's budget plan.
"We're not going to artificially balance the budget to avoid having additional stimulus," he said. "This is an economic problem that is global and it is serious and we all need to take the actions in our own countries to help the world economy recover."
REUTERS 23.11.2008 |
| Government of Canada Moves Ahead to Cut Red Tape for Businesses - OTTAWA, May 1, 2008 — The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), today announced that the Government of Canada is taking action to meet its commitment to reduce the paper burden for business by 20 percent this fall.
In September last year, 13 departments and agencies completed a baseline count of the obligations imposed on businesses in legislation, regulations, policies and forms. They are now implementing reduction plans toward the 20-percent target. This initiative is of particular importance for small and medium-sized businesses, which have limited resources to deal with administrative burden.
"The government understands the implications of the administrative paper burden on businesses' bottom lines. That is why we made a commitment to reduce paperwork, which includes streamlining government regulations, eliminating duplicate or overlapping obligations, and reducing the frequency of filing documents," said the Honourable Diane Ablonczy. "I am proud to report that we are rapidly and successfully moving forward on that commitment."
Participating departments and agencies are pursuing various approaches to reduce paper burden, including streamlining their regulations, eliminating duplicate or overlapping obligations, and reducing the frequency of filing documents. Not only will this improve regulatory efficiency, but it will result in fewer obligations and simpler compliance rules for businesses.
Secretary of State Ablonczy also met today with the Advisory Committee on Paperwork Burden Reduction, co-chaired by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Industry Canada. The Secretary of State received the second progress report from the committee, which was created to advise the federal government on practical ways to reduce paperwork burden.
"We applaud the government's quick action to set a target to reduce paper burden by 20 percent and to make concrete moves such as streamlining the auto expense deduction," said Laura Jones, Vice-President, Western Canada, for the CFIB and Co-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Paperwork Burden Reduction. "Actions like these promise to save thousands of hours and improve Canada's economy."
"Our second report highlights the need to measure and control paper burden over the long term," she continued. "Establishing Canada as a world leader in effective, efficient and accountable regulation would be great branding."
In Advantage Canada and Budget 2007, the government committed to reducing the paperwork burden for business by 20 percent by November 2008. Budget 2008 reiterated this commitment and introduced a number of complementary measures to benefit small business.
Reducing paperwork burden is one of several initiatives the Government of Canada is undertaking to create an entrepreneurial advantage for Canadians.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Catherine Godbout
Office of the Honourable Diane Ablonczy
Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-947-5856
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502 |
| Minister Bernier travels to Saudi Arabia, India, the West Bank, and Israel - The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, traveled to the Middle East and Asia from January 9 to 14, 2008, to meet with a range of high-ranking officials, political leaders and civil society representatives. Minister Bernier was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Deepak Obhrai.
On January 9, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Minister met with His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Saudi Foreign Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Saud al-Faisal. The goal of this visit is to deepen and strenghten the relationship between Canada and Saudi Arabia.
On January 11 and 12, in New Delhi, Minister Bernier met with several Government of India representatives, including Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs. Important bilateral and regional issues, such as the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, were at the core of these discussions.
Minister Bernier concludes his visit in Ramallah, West Bank, and Tel Aviv, Israel. According to the minister, our message in the region is clear: we support efforts that will lead to a peaceful and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian- Israeli conflict, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.
On January 13, he met with Lt.-Gen. Keith Dayton, United States Security Coordinator, and Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Foreign Minister Riad Malki. On January 14, he met various Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, to discuss Canadian and Israeli foreign policy concerns in the Middle East.
For more information, please consult our news releases:
> 2008-01-12 | Bernier concludes successful meetings in India
> 2008-01-05 | Bernier travels to the Middle East and Asia |
| Government of Canada Takes Landmark Action to Conserve Canada's North - OTTAWA, ONTARIO, November 21, 2007- The Government of Canada has taken yet anothermajor step to protect and conserve Canada's north by announcing the withdrawal of over 10 million hectares of land, one of the largest land conservation initiatives in Canadian history near the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, and around the Ramparts River and Wetlands, both in the Northwest Territories.
"Conservation is a top priority for our government. In January, I made a number of commitments and we are delivering," said the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment. "Our Government believes that our actions speak louder than words. In just the last 12 months, we have delivered real action on conservation. We are doing even more by withdrawing massive areas from industrial development to protect some of the most impressive ecological and cultural wonders in the North for generations to come."
The interim land withdrawals announced today by Minister Baird and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians are a major step forward towards creating a national park in the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and a national wildlife area for the Ramparts River and Wetlands (Ts'ude niline Tu'eyeta). The Government is also pleased to announce an Interim Land Withdrawal to protect approximately 62,000 square kilometers with the Akaitcho Dene First Nations from the allowance of mineral staking, sale or lease during the course of negotiations.
"Our government is fully committed to the North and we will continue to work with the three territories in order to improve opportunities and help meet the needs of northerners," said Minister Strahl. "Canada's negotiation team has worked with the Akaitcho and the Government of the Northwest Territories to reach this important milestone in the Akaitcho process. I commend the hard work of all the parties."
The anouncement was made during a celebration with Chiefs of the Akaitcho Dene First Nations, the Chief of Fort Good Hope (K'asho Got'ine) and representatives of the Northwest Territory Métis Nation.
"It is with great happiness and honour for the Lutsel K'e Denesuline to have the area recognized as an area to be protected," said Chief Adeline Jonasson of the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation, near the East Arm of Great Slave lake. "The area is of importance to the Lutsel K'e Dene for their physical and spiritual well-being ... the place where our ancestors chose for us to live centuries ago. We give thanks to the Creator for the land, water and wildlife and to all the support we received for this important milestone."
"Ts'ude niline Tu'eyeta is important to us and the Northwest Territories," said Chief Frank T'seleie of the K'asho Cot'ine Charter Community Council. "I congratulate the Government of Canada for its commitment to working with various partners and the Territory to obtain legislated protection as a National Wildlife Area enabling the protection of important wildlife habitat."
Also in attendance at the celebration at the Canadian Museum of Nature were representatives from national environmental stakeholders, including the Canadian Boreal Initiative, The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Ducks Unlimited and the World Wildlife Fund.
"The Government of Canada and First Nations deserve tremendous credit for their innovation, vision and commitment," said Larry Innes, Executive Director of the Canadian Boreal Initiative, an organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable development of the Boreal Forest. "Canada is taking the lead internationally when it comes to making balanced decisions about protecting and preserving land for future generations."
Today's announcement once again shows the Government's commitment to an integrated Northern Strategy focused on strengthening Canada's sovereignty, protecting our environmental heritage, promoting economic and social development, and improving and devolving governance. Today's announcement supports environmental protection efforts, as well as efforts to ensure that northerners have greater control over their destinies, as a result of Aboriginal land claims and self-government negotiations.
"All total, today's announcement by the federal government amounts to the largest land withdrawal for interim protection in Canadian history," said Lorne Johnson, Ottawa Bureau Director, WWF-Canada. "This is a great example of sequencing conservation first, up front in the development process, while we still have a chance to protect the North's lands and waters."
In the last year alone, the Government of Canada has committed to:
a massive expansion of the Nahanni National Park Reserve;
creation of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area;
$30 million to protect the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia;
$3 million to the restoration of Stanley Park in Vancouver and Point Pleasant Park in Halifax;
$225 million for the Nature Conservancy of Canada to preserve and conserve up to half a million acres of land across the country;
$5 million to protect the Sahoyúé §ehdacho National Historic Site on the shores of Great Bear Lake, the largest lake in Canada.
"Today's announcement, together with federal commitments earlier this year to massively expand the NWT's Nahanni National Park and protect Sahoyúé §ehdacho National Historic Site, represent historic progress towards conserving Canada's northern ecosystems. CPAWS is proud to have worked on this for many years with First Nations, other governments and partner conservation organizations and we look forward to continuing this important work while the opportunity still exists," says Anne Levesque, National Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS).
The Government will be also providing $3 million for a study to assess the feasibility of establishing a national park in the vicinity of the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and $830,000 over five years to establish the Ramparts River and Wetlands National Wildlife Area.
Shannon Haszard, NWT Regional Manager for Ducks Unlimited Canada, stated "We'd like to especially congratulate the Fort Good Hope Dene and Métis and the Akaitcho First Nations for taking the initiative to protect these areas. It is great to see the communities achieve their wish to protect important sacred places and lands that countless generations have used for hunting, trapping, fishing and spiritual renewal."
Backgrounders:
Proposed National Park East Arm of Great Slave Lake (NWT)
Akaitcho Process Interim Land Withdrawals
Ts'ude Niline Tu'eyeta or Ramparts River and Wetlands
www.ec.gc.ca/ |
| TREATY BUILDS FUTURE FOR FIVE FIRST NATIONS - VICTORIA – Premier Gordon Campbell welcomed chiefs, Ha’wiih (hereditary chiefs) and community members from the five Maa-nulth First Nations today to celebrate the introduction of legislation for Vancouver Island’s first modern-day treaty.
“This treaty legislation marks a major step forward for the Maa-nulth First Nations and for all British Columbians on our shared journey towards self-determination, prosperity, and reconciliation,” said Campbell. “The treaty will provide opportunity for economic development and help revitalize a growing and dynamic culture. It provides a firm foundation for the full expression of the Maa-nulth peoples’ talents and fulfilment of their aspirations.”
The Maa-nulth First Nations are
For Immediate Release
2007OTP0183-001493
Nov. 21, 2007
Ucluelet First Nation (pronounced you-clue-let), Huu-ay-aht First Nations (pronounced hoo-way-ut), Toquaht Nation (pronounced toe-kwaht), Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (pronounced kai-yoo-kut/chek-les-ut), and Uchucklesaht Tribe (pronounced you-chuk-les-ut), all located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Their combined population is approximately 2,000 people, with many members living near Bamfield, Port Alberni and Ucluelet, and in Kyuquot Sound.
After the legislation for their final agreement was introduced, the five chiefs of the Maa-nulth First Nations spoke at the bar of the legislature.
“Since the time of contact, our Chiefs and leaders have continuously sought recognition of our rights and title to our homelands and the rightful place of our people therein, and have sought to reach agreement on how we could co-exist within our territories,” said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis. “Together with British Columbians, we move one step closer to the meaning of reconciliation.”
“This treaty gives us the opportunity and tools to become self determining and independent Nations,” said Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations Chief Councillor Therese Smith. “It gives the responsibility of governing our nations back to our Ha’wiih and places them in government.”
“My father entrusted me to continue his quest for a treaty,” said Toquaht Hereditary Chief Bert Mack. “My people and I have succeeded beyond my expectations. I only wish he could have been here on this momentous day.”
“We have come full circle; by that I mean we are moving to a place of having self determination through having our rights to govern ourselves protected under the highest law of the land, the Canadian Constitution. As well, our people have endorsed our land package and other resources such as fish, wildlife, migratory birds, our financial package and our ability to have a much needed ‘say’ in our traditional territories outside of treaty settlement lands in the areas of governance, culture and co-management,” said Uchucklesaht Tribe Chief Councillor Charlie Cootes. “I am proud to say that our people have chosen our future and the future of our grandchildren through a vehicle called a treaty through ‘give and take,’ negotiation and agreement by all parties versus costly and lengthy litigation and confrontation. I am certain this makes not only us, but B.C. and Canada healthier, and I think this is good for everyone.”
“We are now in a stronger position to heal the wounds of the past and weave our people back into the fabric of society,” said Ucluelet First Nation Chief Councillor Violet Mundy. “The singularity of the ratification experience has already inspired a lot of our people to re-examine their identity as Yuu-cluth-aht and look to the possibility of real change and progress for our people.”
The Maa-nulth First Nations entered the treaty process in January 1994. Ucluelet First Nation, Toquaht Nation, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, and Uchucklesaht Tribe voted to ratify the agreement in October 2007, while Huu-ay-aht First Nations ratified the Final Agreement last July.
The Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement will provide a capital transfer of $73.1 million, annual resource revenue payments averaging $1.2 million for 25 years and a land package totalling approximately 24,550 hectares to the five First Nations. It recognizes the Maa-nulth First Nations’ Aboriginal rights and title, and defines rights regarding ownership and management of lands and resources. When the treaty comes into effect, each of the five Maa-nulth First Nations will own their land in fee simple and there will be no more Indian reserves. The treaty includes self-government provisions and a phase-out of tax exemptions.
Once the Maa-nulth First Nations Treaty Settlement Legislation has been debated and is passed, the federal Cabinet must approve signing the Final Agreement. Following federal approval, a tripartite signing ceremony can be held. After the signing, settlement legislation must be approved by the Parliament of Canada and Senate. The treaty will take effect on a date agreed by the parties.
Final agreement negotiations are continuing with Sliammon Indian Band, Yale First Nation, Yekooche First Nation, and In-SHUCK-ch Nation.
For more information about treaties in British Columbia, visit www.treaties.gov.bc.ca online.
-30-
Media Contact:
Mike Morton
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 213-8218
Maria Wilkie
Communications Manager
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204
250 361-7720 (cell)
Robert Dennis
Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor
250 735-9154
Richard Mundy
Ucluelet First Nation
250 735-0704
Carla Halvorsen
Uchucklesaht Tribe
250 731-7540
Anne Morgan
Toquaht Nation
250 726-5286
Eleanor Nicolaye
Ka:’yu:’k’t’h/Che:k’tles7et’h’
First Nations
250 287-2775
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
|
| CANADA INCREASES COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING GIRLS' EDUCATION IN AFGHANISTAN - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, accompanied by Mr. Khalil Shariff, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada, today increased Canada’s commitment to improving Afghanistan’s education system through the Foundation’s Girls' Education Support Program (GESP). The contribution will directly benefit more than 100,000 girls and 4,600 teachers. The Minister made this announcement while participating in a student forum at Ottawa’s Joan of Arc Academy.
“After years of conflict and insecurity, Afghanistan’s education system is one of the weakest in the world. This has deeply affected the country’s ability to rebuild and sustain itself,” said Minister Oda. “But progress is being made, and Canada continues to reinforce its role as a leader for education in Afghanistan, particularly for women and girls.”
"This program will build on the Aga Khan Foundation’s many years of experience and expertise strengthening access to and the quality of education in some of the most impoverished parts of Africa and Asia, often in partnership with Canada and Canadian institutions," said Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation Canada. "At the same time, our objective is to strengthen the ability of Afghans, from parents and children to government and institutions of civil society, to rebuild the education sector at all levels."
The GESP will help address many of the needs identified in the Government of Afghanistan's Five-Year National Education Strategic Plan. These include early childhood education, investing in improved teacher training for women, distance education, secondary education for girls, and improvements to school facilities. The GESP will be implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada – a trusted partner with a proven track record in Afghanistan.
Canada’s New Government will invest $8 million in this initiative, which complements a commitment of $60 million to the Education Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP), Afghanistan’s largest education initiative. Minister Oda announced EQUIP funding on October 4 with visiting Afghan Minister of Education, His Excellency Haneef Atmar. Canada’s commitment to the initiative is the largest made to the program by any donor to date.
Today’s announcement is part of Canada's total contribution of $1.2 billion over 10 years aimed at governance, security and development in Afghanistan. It builds on the commitment made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper last February, when he announced substantive funds to accelerate the reconstruction and development process.
For more information on Canada’s programming in Afghanistan, please refer to CIDA's website.
Information:
Jean-Luc Benoît
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: (819) 953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: (819) 953-6534
E-mail: info@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cida.gc.ca (electronic version of document
Backgrounder
Supporting Education in Afghanistan
Access to an education opens up a world of potential. Over the past few years, Afghan parents have been investing in their country’s future and prosperity by sending their children to school in unprecedented numbers. The Afghan government recently reported that more than six million children are enrolled in school this year, including more than two million girls. This stands in stark contrast to 2001, when only 700,000 children attended school, all of them boys.
While this significant leap in school enrolment is a major milestone, there is still room for progress. Afghanistan continues to have some of the lowest educational indicators in the world, including large gender gaps and high rates of illiteracy for women and girls.
In an effort to help the Afghan people address such gaps, Minister Oda announced on October 15, 2007 that Canada will contribute $8 million to the Girls Education Support Program (GESP). Implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, the GESP will promote the enhancement of girls’ education through activities such as the establishment of early childhood development and women’s literacy classes, improvements to teacher training, the provision of scholarships to adolescent girls for secondary schooling, and the rehabilitation of schools to facilitate girls’ access.
Canada’s contribution to the GESP announced today is in addition to our current assistance to Afghanistan’s education sector, which includes:
Investing $60M in the Education Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP), which helps build educational facilities and human resources, with a special emphasis on promoting girls’ education (announced by Minister Oda on October 4th 2007);
Funding the work of BRAC Afghanistan to deliver basic primary education for some 120,000 children (almost 85% of them girls) and to train 9,000 teachers (at least 4,000 of them women);
Contributing to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, which provides regular salary payments to more than 270,000 civil servants, including 144,000 teachers; and
Supporting UNICEF’s literacy program in Kandahar province, which is assisting literacy centres and teachers, and delivering literacy training to thousands of Afghans, most of them women.
www.canada-afghanistan.gc.ca
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| Canada to welcome 2,000 more Karen refugees - London, February 9, 2007 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced that Canada will welcome an additional 2,000 Karen refugees from Burma (also known as Myanmar) over the next two years.
The Karen, a minority ethnic group, fled their country in 1995 following a major offensive by the Burmese government army against the Karen National Union. They are part of the 140,000 Burmese refugees who have been living in Thai refugee camps for up to 20 years. In 2006, Canada accepted a first group of 810 Karen for resettlement.
“Canada’s New Government is pleased to open our doors to an additional 2,000 Karen refugees, who have been living under terrible conditions for many years,” said Minister Finley. “We look forward to helping them rebuild their lives in a safe, welcoming environment. It is part of our long-standing tradition of providing protection for refugees.”
Canada has been working closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other countries to resettle groups of refugees considered more at risk than the general refugee population, namely, people who have suffered severe persecution, including torture, imprisonment, forced labour, the burning of villages and forced relocation in their homeland. The UNHCR has identified Karen refugees in Thailand as a distinct group with particular protection needs and vulnerabilities and has called upon the international community to help in resettling them.
“The willingness to resettle more Karen refugees demonstrates Canada’s determination to find solutions for vulnerable refugees who have long remained in camps and who can neither safely return home nor stay in their host country,” said Jahanshah Assadi, UNHCR Representative in Canada. “This bodes well for our continuing close cooperation in addressing protracted refugee situations, of which the Karens are a typical example.”
Of the 810 Karen refugees that Canada agreed to accept last year, 712 have already arrived and are settling in cities across the country. Ninety have settled in London, Ontario, where the Minister made the announcement.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada is working closely with settlement service agencies and private sponsoring groups as they deliver key services and supports to help the refugees adapt to a new and very different life in Canada. In order to ensure the long-term success of newcomers to Canada, Canada’s new government is making important investments, including $307 million in Budget 2006 for settlement funding in provinces other than Quebec, which has its own agreement.
“Here in London, the whole community pitched in to assist and welcome the 90 Karen who arrived in November 2006,” said Mary Williamson, Executive Director of the Cross Cultural Learner Centre, where the Karen stayed when they first arrived in London. “The people of this city have been so generous, even donating guitars and other musical instruments, for example, so the Karen can continue their choir practices, something that is very important to them. We’re ready and anxious to help the next group of Karen refugees who settle here.”
Other countries responding to the UNHCR call to resettle Karen refugees include the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and The Netherlands.
www.cic.gc.ca |
| Minister Lunn to Announce New Clean Energy Initiative - OTTAWA - On Sunday, January 21, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, will make an important announcement about new funding for energy-efficiency programs, as part of the Government of Canada's ecoENERGY initiatives. The announcement will be made at the Metro Home Show in Toronto.
Natural Resources Canada
January 18, 2007 |
| Prime Minister announces Canadian Partnership Against Cancer - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the establishment of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The purpose of this not-for-profit corporation will be to implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, a five-year plan developed by more than 700 cancer survivors and experts.
www.pm.gc.ca |
| UFO Interpretive Center - Mr. John Lagassé, the soul of St. Paul's Centennial Project, states in a letter to C.B.A. International, Yokohama, Japan: " The basic idea of the landing pad came from Mr. W.R. Treleaven of Hamilton, ON and Mr. Ken Reed of Calgary AB. Margo Lagassé argued that this would be an excellent Centennial Project to all that would hear across Canada. The promotion of it was handled by the St. Paul Centennial Committee".
~ The building project was assumed by Car Ouells Construction Co. of St. Paul.
~ Cost $11,000 with no public funds provided for its construction.
~ Canada Cement and Island Cement provided the cement; Hector Steel provided the reinforcements; the engineer Alex Mair, provided the plans and specifications
~ Built at the main entrance to the recreation Grounds on land donated by the town of St. Paul
~ Six 30 inch pylons from the main column made of concrete reinforced with steel.
~ Weight: 130 tons.
~ Hon. Grant MacEwan, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, officiated at the sod turning ceremony.
~ A map of Canada is embossed in its backstop, made of stones provided by each province in Canada with each provincial flag flown atop the backstop.
~ A time capsule was built into the backstop, inserted with letters addressed to Canadians, to be opened June 3rd, 2067.
~ On June 3rd, 1967 the Hon. Paul Hellyer, Minister of Defense, flew in by helicopter to officially open the Pad. The pad was one of over 100 Centennial Projects organized by the town.
~ In 1967, Mr. John Fisher, Centennial Commissioner, proclaimed St. Paul "Centennial Star of Canada".
In 1990, St. Paul's Mayor Paul Langevin began toying with some sketches for a new tourist booth. In 1992, construction began on the rounded building designed as a UFO to complement the adjacent Landing Pad. The booth, completed within budget, opened for business in May 1993, with the official opening held July 1, 1993. It is also home to the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce.
UFO Interpretive Center
In 1996, an addition was built to the existing Tourist Information Center to house a UFO Interpretive Display. This is an opportunity to see actual photographs of UFOs, crop circles and cattle mutilations and is designed to educate. It explains the various degrees of sightings - first kind, second kind, etc. and shows ingenious methods to hoax the public. You decide! Purchased from the J. allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies in San Francisco, USA, it is one of the two existing displays in North America.
UFO Hotline
In may 1995, a toll free number was launched to complement St. Paul's UFO theme. Reports of UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, abductions, crop circles, and encounters of all kinds are documented in the data center. You are encouraged to report any of your own experiences.
1-888-SEE-UFOS
1-888-733-8367
St Paul & District Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 887
St Paul, Alberta T0A 3A0
PHONE:(780) 645-6800
FAX:(780) 645-6059
admin@stpaulchamber.ca
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| New Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion Welcomed by United Liberal Caucus - December 4, 2006
Newly-elected Liberal Party of Canada Leader Stéphane Dion served notice to Stephen Harper in Question Period today that his caucus will continue its passionate defense of equality rights.
“When the government is posting a multi-million dollar budget suplus, thanks to the previous Liberal government, why has the Prime Minister chose to cut 12 of the 16 status of women offices across Canada, if it is not to cripple those who dare challenge his government’s neo-conservative agenda?,” he asked after receiving a standing ovation in the House of Commons.
Mr. Dion then lambasted Mr. Harper’s decision to re-open the debate on same-sex marriage.
“The Supreme Court has spoken, the Parliament of Canada has spoke. Yet the Prime Minister still thinks he can pick and choose rights. Why does he want to be the first Prime Minister in Canadian history to override the Charter?”
A lively Question Period followed Mr. Dion’s lead, with other leadership candidates and members of the Liberal Caucus working with Mr. Dion to force the Conservatives to defend their regressive policies.
“This minority government has eliminated the Court Challenges Program. They have cut the budget for the Status of Women. They cut literacy programs. When will they understand that a government must bring people together rather than exclude them?” asked Michael Ignatieff, who came in second to Mr. Dion at this weekend’s Liberal leadership convention.
Earlier today, Mr. Dion received an enthusiastic welcome from united Liberal MPs and Senators at his first National Caucus meeting as Leader of the Opposition.
With a focus on the Liberal values of compassion and a sustainable Canada, Mr. Dion fired up the room with his comparisons to the right-wing ideologies of Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.
“Canadians will have to choose two clear visions of the path that our country must take at the beginning of this century … the very right-wing party who thinks that the United States is not only an ally for us, but also a model, or the party that wants to preserve always the independent voice of Canada in the world,” Mr. Dion said.
“The very right-wing party that is picking and choosing rights – or the party of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The party that wants us to remain in a state of war, that is turning its back on Kyoto – or the party that will always ensure that Canada is the voice of justice, the voice of peace, the voice of security in the world, the voice of democracy and the party that wants to be part of the solution to these issues.”
Mr. Dion concluded that, with a strong and united Liberal Party defending their interests, Canadians would make the right choice in the next election
www.liberal.ca |
| Prime Minister Harper announces State visit of Governor General to Africa - 24 October 2006
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Governor General Michaëlle Jean will represent Canada on a five-country State visit to Africa.
At the request of the Prime Minister, the Governor General will lead a delegation of distinguished Canadians from civil society to Algeria, Mali, Ghana and South Africa, with a final brief stop in Morocco. The visit will take place between November 19 and December 11, 2006.
The visit will demonstrate how Canadian and African partners are working together to achieve results in Africa.
This forthcoming State visit to countries of the African continent will further reinforce the image and understanding of Canada abroad. Canadian State visits play an important role in promoting Canada’s interests and in projecting a positive image of contemporary Canada and Canadian values. Information on the history of Canadian State visits abroad and on those undertaken by other Governors General can be seen at http://www.gg.ca.
http://www.citizenvoices.gg.ca/
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| The Global Centre for Pluralism - The Global Centre for Pluralism is a new international initiative of His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims. Dedicated to the creation of successful societies, the Centre is founded on the premise that tolerance, openness and understanding towards the cultures, social structures, values and faiths of other peoples are now essential to the very survival of an interdependent world. Pluralism is no longer simply an asset or a prerequisite for progress and development. It is vital to our existence
www.pluralism.ca |
| Citizenship and Immigration Minister tables the 2006 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration - OTTAWA, October 31, 2006 — The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, today tabled the 2006 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration. The report outlines Canada’s initiatives over the past year to attract and welcome newcomers, and provides a projection of the number of people expected to become permanent residents in 2007.
“Canada’s new government believes that immigration should play an important role in building our country and helping our economy grow,” said Minister Solberg.
Canada plans to accept between 240,000 and 265,000 newcomers as permanent residents in 2007. This is an increase from the planned range of 225,000 to 255,000 set out in last year’s Annual Report.
In tabling the Annual Report, Minister Solberg emphasized that it is also important to make sure that services and supports are in place to give immigrants every opportunity to succeed in their new home. In Budget 2006, the government committed $307 million in additional funding, for language training and other services that help newcomers settle in their communities. As well, $18 million was allocated towards establishing an agency for the assessment and recognition of foreign credentials. These measures support the long-term success of newcomers to Canada.
The Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, which must be tabled by November 1 each year, is a requirement under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The report includes the linguistic profiles of the permanent residents who came to Canada last year, the number of temporary resident permits issued, and the immigration plan for 2007. Key provincial and territorial considerations are also included in the report, along with a complete list of federal/provincial-territorial agreements
www.cic.gc.ca |
| Canada has extensive biomass . - Canada has extensive biomass resourcese available for conversion to bioproducts.
Canada's forests represent a valuable and only partially developed resource. While logging removes valuable round wood for lumber and pulp, significant amounts of low grade wood are left. This underutilized wood is available for conversion to fuel and "green" chemicals.
Advanced BioRefinery's modular distillation plants are designed to go to the source rather than attempt to transport low density and low energy biomass to the end user. The primary target material is the slash (tree tops and limbs) that is burnt on site and whose value is lost in emissions to the atmosphere.
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| Canada unlikely to lift visa requirements for Czechs in June. - Prague - Canada is unlikely to lift its visa requirements for Czech citizens, as the planned visit by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay, who was expected to announce the step in Prague next month, will not take place, Czech Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda said.
The Canadian government will probably discuss the issue again, Svoboda (Christian Democrats, KDU-CSL) said on Frekvence 1 radio.
The Czech Republic thus cannot but continue exerting pressure on Ottawa, he added.
During his recent visit to Canada, Svoboda warned the local leaders that Prague would take a reciprocal measure towards Canadians unless Ottawa lifts its visa requirements.
Prague could begin with imposing visa duty on Canadian diplomats, which would not breach the EU rules, Svoboda said last week.
"Canada has no rational reason or rules to justify the visas," Svoboda said.
He said that Ottawa has cited "technical reasons" but failed to specify them.
The situation is different with the USA where the visa policy is subject to a special law. Foreign countries either meet the conditions set by the law, or not, as is also the case of the Czech Republic, Svoboda said.
In the 1990s, the Czech Republic and Canada had visa-free relations for 1.5 years. However, Canada unilaterally reintroduced its visa requirements in October 1997 in reaction to a wave of Czech Romany immigrants.
CTK 3.05.2006 |
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Address : Euro-Brew Ltd., Hlboká 22, 917 01 Trnava, Slovakia
Tel. : +421 33 53 418 53, Fax : +421 33 53 418 52, E-mail : info@eurobrew.sk |
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