NEWS RELEASES

March 9, 2004 (8:00 p.m. EST) No. 35

CANADA AND NEW BRUNSWICK DISCUSS ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The governments of Canada and New Brunswick today discussed enhanced international cooperation during New Brunswick International Day in Ottawa. Today's meeting was attended by New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord and other provincial ministers, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham, Minister of International Trade Jim Peterson and Minister responsible for La Francophonie Denis Coderre.

"Reflecting the Prime Minister's commitment to build strong and cooperative relations with the provinces and territories, this first provincial international day sets a new precedent for federal-provincial engagement and dialogue," said Minister Graham. "The various meetings held today are an excellent demonstration of these renewed and expanded ties with the provinces and territories."

"A coordinated approach on trade and investment is key to our collective success on the world stage," said Minister Peterson. "I look forward to working closely with New Brunswick to increase commercial flows to and from the province and to attract and retain additional investment."

"All New Brunswickers can be proud of their strong history and promising future," said Andy Scott, Minister of State (Infrastructure). "We are pleased to be working together with the provincial government to celebrate and promote this great province, and the steps we have agreed to take today will have an important impact on the lives of New Brunswickers in all communities."

Today's discussions covered a wide range of new and ongoing priority international activities. The two governments have agreed to the following:

• to further explore co-hosting an international business symposium to promote federal services and maximize partnerships with businesses and civil society organizations;

• to support the creation of a partnership between the universities of Moncton and New Brunswick in order to establish a new institute for international studies;

• to endorse the organization of a congress of young Franco-Canadians on democracy and cultural diversity prior to the November 2004 Summit of La Francophonie;

• to promote throughout the United States the June 2004 Acadian festivities celebrating the first European settlement in America;

• to support two projects under the federal Young Professionals International initiative, which will provide opportunities for 10 graduates from Falls Brook Centre in Knowlesville and the University of Moncton to gain valuable international experience;

• to continue work to ensure an efficient and secure border, including at the St. Stephen border crossing; and

• to work to improve existing partnerships and create new ones to better support New Brunswick's immigration strategy.

Finally, Minister responsible for La Francophonie Denis Coderre and his provincial counterpart, New Brunswick Minister of Intergovernmental and International Relations Percy Mockler, also signed a memorandum of understanding on Canada's financial contribution to New Brunswick's participation in La Francophonie institutions for the 2004-2005 biennium. This contribution, in the amount of $1 million, will enable the Government of New Brunswick to plan and manage the implementation of the province's involvement in 2004-2005 La Francophonie activities.

In June 2003, the Government of New Brunswick unveiled its first-ever International Strategy. The strategy outlines a series of key international action items and aims to coordinate the province's international policies and build bilateral partnerships, particularly with the Government of Canada.

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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

Jacqueline LaRocque
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332

Sarah Bain
Office of the Minister responsible for La Francophonie
(613) 371-0504

Mary Johnson
Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Infrastructure)
(613) 952-1684

Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca