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Ottawa, March 22,  2004
2004-023

• Ralph Goodale to serve on Commission for Africa Board.

Minister of Finance Ralph Goodale today accepted an invitation from U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown to join the International Commission for Africa, a new initiative created to find new African economic and development opportunities in the 21^st century.

"I consider it an honour to participate in such a vital global initiative, and to work with such a distinguished group of experts on international assistance and Africa," said Minister Goodale. "This continues Canada’s leadership role in assisting Africa. It also represents a chance to build on the progress made at the 2002 G-8 summit in Kananaskis."

Minister Goodale will serve on the Commission’s working group on the African economy, which is responsible for finding new approaches to meet Africa’s financing needs and integrating Africa into the global economy. Among other International Commission for Africa working groups are the environment, government, peace building and investments in people.

Other Commissioners include Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, former IMF Managing Director Michel Camdessus, and musician and political activist Sir Bob Geldof. The Commission aims to generate further support for the G-8 Africa Action Plan announced during the summit in Kananaskis, Alberta and the New Partnership for African Development.

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