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NEWS RELEASES

June 10, 1999 (3:05 p.m. EDT) No. 137

MARCHI WELCOMES REPORT ON UPCOMING

TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi welcomed a report released today by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. The report summarizes the Committee's findings on upcoming trade negotiations, and is based on hearings held across Canada this spring.

The report is the result of the Minister's suggestion that the views of Canadians be solicited as widely as possible in order to provide input into the formulation of positions on trade issues for the expected launch of a new round of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) later this year. In response, the Standing Committee held comprehensive hearings in 14 cities to allow Canadians to contribute to the preparation of trade negotiating positions.

"I welcome the Committee's report because it gives the government valuable advice on trade issues as we enter into these negotiations," said Minister Marchi. "Maintaining an open-door relationship with Canadians will allow us to promote truly Canadian values and interests when we sit down at the WTO negotiating table."

This report by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade complements other efforts to ensure that Canadians have a voice in Canada's overall trade agenda, including hearings on agricultural trade-related issues already held by the Standing Committee on Agriculture.

The information collected will be supplemented by written submissions received in response to a request for comments in the Canada Gazette on February 6. Submissions will be accepted until June 18.

This report can be obtained by contacting:

Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Room 637, Wellington Building

House of Commons

180 Wellington Street

Ottawa ON K1A 0A6

Tel: (613) 996-1533

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Leslie Swartman

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

The report will be available on the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Web site at www.parl.gc.ca under "Parliamentary Business."