NEWS RELEASES
MINISTER MARCHI WELCOMES PARLIAMENTARYCOMMITTEE REPORT ON THE MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT ON INVESTMENT
December 11, 1997 No. 208
MINISTER MARCHI WELCOMES PARLIAMENTARY
COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE MULTILATERAL AGREEMENT ON
INVESTMENT
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today welcomed the report by the Sub-Committee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment on the
Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). The Sub-Committee, part of the
Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, tabled its report
in the House of Commons this morning.
"I welcome the Sub-Committee's report and the constructive recommendations it
contains," said the Minister. "Open consultations like this provide the Government
with valuable advice. That's why I asked the Sub-Committee to study this issue. I
am pleased with the main recommendation that Canada continue its active
participation in negotiations of the MAI. Creating fair and transparent
international investment rules will enhance Canada's ability to create jobs,
foster continued economic growth, and provide enhanced security for our expanding
investments abroad."
The Sub-Committee held hearings in November. The purpose of the hearings was to
widen consultations among Canadians before the final round of negotiations on the
MAI begins in January 1998. The MAI is currently being negotiated among 29
countries under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD).
The Sub-Committee invited briefs and heard testimony from Canadians and
associations from across the country. The Sub-Committee includes Members of
Parliament from all federal political parties.
Minister Marchi also noted: "I am committed to studying this report and its
recommendations carefully. In this regard, I want to reaffirm that this Government
will only sign an MAI that serves Canada's best interests, and that is consistent
with Canadian values."
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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
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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