NEWS RELEASES
PARADIS CONDUCTS AWARENESS-RAISING TOUR ON AFRICA AND THE G8
May 31, 2002 (3:20 p.m. EDT) No. 61
PARADIS CONDUCTS AWARENESS-RAISING TOUR ON AFRICA AND THE G8
Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie) Denis Paradis yesterday issued the following statement
concerning Africa and the G8:
"We can be very proud to be Canadian, knowing that Canada has made Africa a priority for the next G8 Summit. I have
personally undertaken a cross-Canada awareness-raising tour involving a number of members of Parliament. We have been
visiting schools, interest groups, and local and regional media.
"During the tour, I met with many students who are very interested in the situation in Africa, the forgotten continent," said
Mr. Paradis. "They were curious to know more about the New Partnership for Africa's Development. With the 53 members
of the Organization of African Unity having endorsed NEPAD, and with the G8 prepared to take up a partnership with
Africa, I believe that we are on the eve of a great moment in history."
Secretary of State Paradis visited New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario on his tour, and will visit western Canada in the
near future. Mr. Paradis met with secondary school students in each of the cities and towns visited.
Africa will be a principal focus of the G8 Summit being held in Kananaskis, Alberta, on June 26 and 27, 2002. In Genoa
last year, G8 leaders agreed to develop a G8 Africa Action Plan, for adoption at Kananaskis, which would support the
unique proposal by African leaders for the renewal of their continent. This proposal, known as the New Partnership for
Africa's Development, is designed to address the social, political and economic challenges facing Africans.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Richard Têtu
Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie)
(613) 944-2282
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
| 
