OTTAWA, March 21, 2002 - The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Martin Cauchon, and the Solicitor General of Canada, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, today announced that they will co-host the G8 Justice and Interior Ministers' Meeting, May 13 and 14, in Mont-Tremblant, Québec.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome our colleagues from the G8 countries on Canadian soil," said Minister Cauchon. "The work we will accomplish will strengthen the existing cooperation amongst our countries allowing us to increase our efforts to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism."

On January 1, 2002, Canada became chair of the G8. A number of ministerial meetings-including the Justice and Interior Ministers' Meeting-are being held in preparation for the Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where leaders from G8 countries will meet June 26 and 27, 2002.

"Together, G8 countries have made great progress in developing common approaches to fighting organized crime and terrorism," said Minister MacAulay. "Now more than ever, it is important for us to continue this work."

The G8 Justice and Interior Ministers' Meeting is a first in Canada. These ministerial meetings started in 1997 in Washington, to assist in implementing the mandate of G8 Heads of State and Government, established in 1995 at the Halifax Summit to combat transnational organized crime. Their agenda continues to evolve to include new issues of concern to G8 and other countries.

Note: Information regarding media accreditation to follow.

Ref:
Suzanne Thébarge
Director of Communications
Minister Cauchon's Office
(613) 992-4621

Dan Brien
Press Secretary
Minister MacAulay's Office
(613) 991-2874

Irène Arseneau
Media Relations
(613) 957-4207

Solicitor General Canada Communications
Media Relations
(613) 991-2800