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NEWS RELEASES

July 29, 1997 No. 125

ALBERTA CELEBRATES

CANADA'S YEAR OF ASIA PACIFIC

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Anne McLellan, today announced, on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, that a series of events in Alberta have received funding as part of the cultural component of Canada's Year of Asia Pacific (CYAP). The projects were announced to coincide with the launch of Edmonton Asia Pacific Month, held today at Edmonton City Hall.

Thirty-three local CYAP cultural projects will be supported in Alberta, ranging from cultural events and visual arts exhibits to performances and workshops.

"In honour of Canada's Year of Asia Pacific, I am pleased to announce these exciting projects, which celebrate the growing ties between Albertans and the people of Asia Pacific," said Minister McLellan. "I encourage everyone to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity to explore new business opportunities and learn more about this dynamic region. As the federal government prepares for the upcoming APEC [Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum] Energy Ministerial Meeting in Edmonton, it is clear that Asia Pacific is making an indelible mark on Alberta in 1997."

"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 will include business and trade seminars at the local and national levels, cultural and youth events, and a series of APEC ministerial meetings. A

meeting of APEC energy ministers, hosted by Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, will take place on August 26 and 27 in Edmonton. CYAP will culminate in the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November, when Prime Minister Jean Chrétien will host economic leaders from Asia Pacific in Vancouver.

Funding of $147 000 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

Marie Iwanow

CYAP Regional Media Co-ordinator

(403) 424-7000

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

Cultural Projects for Canada's Year of Asia Pacific - 1997

Alberta