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NEWS RELEASES

July 29, 1997 No. 123

SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES

CANADA'S YEAR OF ASIA PACIFIC

Minister of Natural Resources Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, announced today in Regina that a series of events in Saskatchewan have received funding as part of the cultural component of Canada's Year of Asia Pacific (CYAP).

Twenty-six local CYAP cultural projects will be supported in Saskatchewan, ranging from special events and visual arts exhibits to performances and workshops. Over the coming months a series of cultural projects travelling across the country and from abroad will also be presented in the province.

"We are delighted to announce these projects as part of a vast array of national activities taking place in Saskatchewan during Canada's Year of Asia Pacific," said Mr. Goodale. "These initiatives build on the province's commercial links to Asia Pacific and our strong people-to-people ties with the region. This province will take on an even greater role as host of the upcoming APEC FEEEP Symposium [Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Food, Energy, Environment and Economic Development and Population Symposium] during Saskatchewan's Month of Asia Pacific."

"Canada's Year of Asia Pacific will help strengthen and expand our relationship with the Asia Pacific region by promoting increased business opportunities, youth involvement and cultural exchanges," said Mr. Axworthy. "The CYAP cultural program celebrates Canada's cultural ties to the region and recognizes the contribution of Canada's cultural sector to strengthening our relations in Asia Pacific."

The Government of Canada has designated 1997 as Canada's Year of Asia Pacific in honour of its role as this year's Chair of the APEC forum. Activities planned across the country throughout the year include business and trade seminars at the local and national levels, cultural and

youth events, and a series of APEC ministerial meetings. The FEEEP Symposium will take place from September 1 to 4, 1997, in Saskatoon.

CYAP will culminate in the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November, when the Prime Minister will host economic leaders from Asia Pacific in Vancouver.

Funding of $73 000 for these projects has been provided for in the February 1997 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

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A list of cultural projects receiving CYAP funding is attached.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

Barbara Pollock

CYAP Regional Media Co-ordinator

(603) 757-5520

This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

CYAP-Funded Projects - Saskatchewan