NEWS RELEASES

February 17, 1999 (1:00 p.m. EST) No. 30

MINISTER MARCHI WELCOMES INDUSTRY REPORT

ON TRADE AND CULTURE

International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi welcomed a report released today by the Cultural Industries Sectoral Advisory Group on International Trade (SAGIT), calling it a good example of citizen involvement in important national issues.

The report, entitled Canadian Culture in a Global World: New Strategies for Culture and Trade, puts forward ideas from the country's cultural industries on how Canada can continue to promote cultural diversity in a changing world.

"This government believes that trade and culture issues are of critical importance not just to Canada but to other countries as well," said Minister Marchi. "Canada's overall objective remains the same: to maintain the ability to preserve and promote domestic cultural policies within our international obligations. I look forward to a discussion on how we can pursue that goal."

The Minister said the report will be part of broad-based consultations on Canadian trade policy taking place across many sectors. He added that the report will provide a basis for informed discussion at the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade on how to sustain and promote Canadian cultural industries in future trade negotiations.

"This report has been over two years in the making, and I look forward to reading the SAGIT's ideas about future strategies for culture and trade. I will be sharing the report with my Cabinet colleagues including the Minister of Canadian Heritage," said Minister Marchi.

There are 14 Sectoral Advisory Groups on International Trade, and the members of each group represent a diverse cross-section of that sector. The Cultural Industries SAGIT has 16 members including artists, producers and distributors.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has agreed to make the SAGIT report available through its Web site (at http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/trade-culture) and from its Enquiries Centre (1-800-267-8376 or 613-944-4000 in the Ottawa/Hull region).

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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