NEWS RELEASES

March 10, 2006 (10:20 p.m. EST)

No. 20

STATEMENT BY MINISTER MACKAY ON THE DEATH OF TOM FOX

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay today issued the following statement on the death of Tom Fox, a U.S. national and one of the four members of Christian Peacemaker Teams held hostage in Iraq since November 26, 2005:

“We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Fox. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. We regret the death of this innocent person who was providing humanitarian support to the Iraqi people.

"We remain concerned for the lives of James Loney, Harmeet Singh Sooden and Norman Kember. We continue to be in touch with the families of the Canadians.

"The Canadian government remains willing to listen to and speak with persons who may have information that will assist in the safe release of the hostages."

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Media Relations Office

Foreign Affairs Canada

(613) 995-1874

http://www.international.gc.ca