NEWS RELEASES

September 12, 2000 (12:50 p.m. EDT) No. 224

PETTIGREW ANNOUNCES CONSULTATIONS ON FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is seeking comments from the public on a draft framework for the environmental assessment of trade negotiations. The purpose of the framework is to consider the environmental impacts of all trade negotiations in which Canada participates.

"We want to ensure that Canada achieves coherence in trade and environment policy," said Minister Pettigrew. "Conducting an environmental assessment of trade negotiations is an effective way to maintain this mutually supportive relationship. The Government also wants to ensure that the framework reflects the views of Canadians."

Public consultations started on September 9 and are planned until October 6. The comments received will be used to refine and finalize the framework before the end of October 2000.

The framework can be viewed on the Department's Web site at: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/social-e.asp Copies can also be obtained by contacting the Environmental Services Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2. Tel.: (613) 944-0631 and fax: (613) 944-0432, e-mail: aes@dfait-maeci.gc.ca.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sylvie Bussières

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874