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<title>PETTIGREW WELCOMES PARLIAMENTARY REPORT ON CANADA'S WTO TRADE AGENDA</title>
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<p><font size="+1"><strong>May 9, 2002 <em>(2:25 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 49</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>PETTIGREW WELCOMES PARLIAMENTARY REPORT ON CANADA'S WTO TRADE
AGENDA</strong></font></p>
<p>International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew welcomed a study released today by a House of Commons committee on
Canada's participation in trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO).</p>
<p>The study, conducted by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(SCFAIT), is based on public hearings held from January through April 2002. It was undertaken at Minister Pettigrew's
request.</p>
<p>"As the Doha Round negotiations get underway in Geneva, the Committee's report gives us valuable advice," said Minister
Pettigrew. "This input from parliamentarians ensures that we head into these negotiations with a clear understanding of the
views of Canadians."</p>
<p>The Committee conducted a broad overview of WTO issues that complements other efforts the Government of Canada has
made to consult its citizens and to ensure they have a strong voice in Canada's overall trade agenda.</p>
<p>The Committee also decided to conduct a concurrent study of Canada's role in negotiations in the Free Trade Area of the
Americas, and is expected to release its findings by early summer.</p>
<p>The WTO report is available on the SCFAIT Web site at
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221080821/http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoComDoc/37/1/FAIT/Studies/Reports/faitrp19-e.htm">http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoComDoc/37/1/FAIT/Studies/Reports/faitrp19-e.htm</a>. Additional information can be found at
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221080821/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/Consult3-e.asp">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/Consult3-e.asp</a>.</p>
<p>- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
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<p>Sébastien Théberge</p>
<p>Office of the Minister for International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 992-7332</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221080821/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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