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GOVERNMENT TABLES RESPONSE TO SCFAIT REPORT ONNORTH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIPS

May 7, 2003 (4:10 p.m. EDT) No. 53

GOVERNMENT TABLES RESPONSE TO SCFAIT REPORT ON

NORTH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIPS

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today delivered the Government's response to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade's (SCFAIT) report on advancing Canada's relations with the United States and Mexico.

"The Government thanks the SCFAIT members for their recommendations, which support many of Canada's policy objectives and ongoing activities in North America," said Minister Graham. "The committee's careful consideration of the diverse nature of our North American partnerships, and the way in which we manage them, will inform the Government's future work with the United States and Mexico. We will continue to build on these vibrant relationships, which have proven enormously successful."

"Our three countries enjoy a tremendously dynamic relationship and NAFTA has become a successful model of cooperation," said Minister Pettigrew. "We are one another's largest customers and suppliers. Billions of dollars in trade and investment cross our borders every day, and this supports millions of jobs across North America."

Ministers Graham and Pettigrew noted the report's thoroughness and timeliness as we approach the 10th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The report, entitled Partners in North America: Advancing Canada's Relations with the United States and Mexico, was issued by SCFAIT in December 2002. It highlights the opportunities and challenges for Canada posed by ever-increasing interdependence within North America and underlines that Canada's economic growth, prosperity and physical security are tied, more than ever, to the future of the continent.

The report is available on the SCFAIT Web site at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoComDoc/37/2/FAIT/Studies/Reports/faitrp03-e.htm and the Government's response is available at

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/Consult3-en.asp#NA

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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

Sébastien Théberge

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332