Canada will participate in Expo '98 in Lisbon on theme of oceans: A Heritage for the Future
OTTAWA, June 3, 1996 The Honourable Lucienne Robillard, Acting Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for St-Henri-Westmount, today announced that Canada has accepted Portugal's invitation to participate in Expo '98 in Lisbon. The exposition will take place from May 22 to September 30, 1998, on the theme of "Oceans: A Heritage for the Future." The United Nations has declared 1998 as the International Year of the Oceans."While Canada has a reputation of excellence in international expositions, the Expo '98 theme offers us a unique opportunity to present Canada as a world leader in oceans management," said Minister Robillard.
"Our participation will enable us to pursue our objectives on oceans management and sustainable development internationally. It will also promote Canadian values and help Canadian firms reach world markets, creating jobs in Canada."
More than 100 countries and organizations are expected to participate in Expo '98. Canada's participation in Expo '98 will signal that Canada continues to be an active partner with other countries in international expositions with clear goals and will boost Calgary's bid to host Expo 2005.
Canada has acquired an unbroken record of outstanding performance in international expositions as participant and host since 1851. For example, Canada's pavilion at Taejon (Korea) Expo '93 was recognized as the most popular international pavilion of 108 participating countries. In Seville '92 (Spain), Canada's pavilion was again rated number one.
Canada's participation in the Lisbon Expo should also increase trade and other cooperation between Canada and Portugal. More than half a million Canadians are of Portuguese origin.
The Department of Canadian Heritage will coordinate Canada's participation in Expo '98 in partnership with federal departments, provincial/territorial governments, the private sector and interested marine and other associations across the country.
Information:
Julia Arnsby
Press Officer
Office of the Minister
of Canadian Heritage
Telephone: (819) 997-7788
Facsimile: (819) 994-5987
Internet: julia_arnsby@pch.gc.ca
Azhar Ali Khan
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Canadian Heritage
Tel. (819) 994-5602
Fax: (819) 953-5521
Internet: azhar_ali_khan@pch.gc.ca
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