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<title>PETTIGREW RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE REPORT ON KEY ISSUES FOR CANADA AT THE WTO</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>October 3, 2002 <em>(4:15 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 113</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong></strong></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>PETTIGREW RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE </strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>REPORT ON KEY ISSUES FOR CANADA AT THE WTO</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial">On behalf of International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew, Pat O'Brien (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
for International Trade) today presented in the House of Commons the federal government's response to
Parliament concerning negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The response directly answers 29 recommendations made by a parliamentary committee, the Standing
Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (SCFAIT), in a report entitled <em>Building an Effective New
Round of WTO Negotiations: Key Issues for Canada</em>. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Last December, I invited SCFAIT to undertake an analysis on major elements of the WTO Doha Development
Agenda. Their valuable report confirms Canada's objectives in WTO negotiations. Our response emphasizes
that a rules-based trade system provides solid economic opportunities for Canada and promotes a climate of
prosperity, democracy and social stability worldwide," said Minister Pettigrew. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"I am confident that by continuing cooperative dialogue during WTO negotiations, we can create a more level
playing field for all member countries and allow Canada to achieve its global economic, political and social
objectives," added the Minister.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Government of Canada has made parliamentary and citizen engagement an integral part of its trade policy
agenda, reflecting Canadians' priorities and interests, and a commitment to fairness, stability and good
governance. Consultations will continue as the negotiating process evolves in order to further refine Canada's
position.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The complete report can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Trade
Negotiations Web site at: <a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221110523/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/gov_response-e.asp">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/gov_response-e.asp</a></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<table width="100%">
<tr valign="TOP"><td><font face="Arial">Sébastien Théberge</font>
<p><font face="Arial">Director of Communications</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 992-7332 </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" color="#0000ff"><u>http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</u></font><font face="Arial"><u></u></font></td>
<td><font face="Arial"><u></u>Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874<u></u></font></td></tr></table>
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