NEWS RELEASES
March 9, 2004 (8:00 p.m. EST)
No. 35
CANADA AND NEW BRUNSWICK DISCUSS ENHANCED
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
The governments of Canada and New Brunswick today discussed enhanced
international cooperation during New Brunswick International Day in Ottawa. Today's
meeting was attended by New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord and other provincial
ministers, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham, Minister of International Trade
Jim Peterson and Minister responsible for La Francophonie Denis Coderre.
"Reflecting the Prime Minister's commitment to build strong and cooperative relations
with the provinces and territories, this first provincial international day sets a new
precedent for federal-provincial engagement and dialogue," said Minister Graham. "The
various meetings held today are an excellent demonstration of these renewed and
expanded ties with the provinces and territories."
"A coordinated approach on trade and investment is key to our collective success on
the world stage," said Minister Peterson. "I look forward to working closely with
New Brunswick to increase commercial flows to and from the province and to attract
and retain additional investment."
"All New Brunswickers can be proud of their strong history and promising future," said
Andy Scott, Minister of State (Infrastructure). "We are pleased to be working together
with the provincial government to celebrate and promote this great province, and the
steps we have agreed to take today will have an important impact on the lives of
New Brunswickers in all communities."
Today's discussions covered a wide range of new and ongoing priority international
activities. The two governments have agreed to the following:
• to further explore co-hosting an international business symposium to promote
federal services and maximize partnerships with businesses and civil society
organizations;
• to support the creation of a partnership between the universities of Moncton and
New Brunswick in order to establish a new institute for international studies;
• to endorse the organization of a congress of young Franco-Canadians on
democracy and cultural diversity prior to the November 2004 Summit of La
Francophonie;
• to promote throughout the United States the June 2004 Acadian festivities
celebrating the first European settlement in America;
• to support two projects under the federal Young Professionals International
initiative, which will provide opportunities for 10 graduates from Falls Brook
Centre in Knowlesville and the University of Moncton to gain valuable
international experience;
• to continue work to ensure an efficient and secure border, including at the
St. Stephen border crossing; and
• to work to improve existing partnerships and create new ones to better support
New Brunswick's immigration strategy.
Finally, Minister responsible for La Francophonie Denis Coderre and his provincial
counterpart, New Brunswick Minister of Intergovernmental and International Relations
Percy Mockler, also signed a memorandum of understanding on Canada's financial
contribution to New Brunswick's participation in La Francophonie institutions for the
2004-2005 biennium. This contribution, in the amount of $1 million, will enable the
Government of New Brunswick to plan and manage the implementation of the
province's involvement in 2004-2005 La Francophonie activities.
In June 2003, the Government of New Brunswick unveiled its first-ever International
Strategy. The strategy outlines a series of key international action items and aims to
coordinate the province's international policies and build bilateral partnerships,
particularly with the Government of Canada.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Jacqueline LaRocque
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Sarah Bain
Office of the Minister responsible for La Francophonie
(613) 371-0504
Mary Johnson
Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Infrastructure)
(613) 952-1684
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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