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<title>PRODUCTIVE MEETING HELD BETWEEN THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AND ITS PARTNERS IN THE DEFENCE OF THE CHRYSOTILE FIBRE INDUSTRY</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">January 30, 1998 No. 23</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">PRODUCTIVE MEETING HELD BETWEEN </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AND ITS PARTNERS </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">IN THE DEFENCE OF THE CHRYSOTILE FIBRE INDUSTRY</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi and Natural Resources Minister Ralph
Goodale today expressed their satisfaction with the results of a meeting held by
the Canadian government and its main partners in the defence of chrysotile fibre
and its use internationally. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">A meeting was held in Montreal on January 28 under Canadian government auspices
to work out a concerted strategic approach. The participants agreed to pursue a
series of initiatives set in motion last fall subsequent to one of the regular
meetings held by the partners.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Montreal meeting ended with an agreement to welcome a French government envoy
mandated to review the measures taken by France, in order to determine whether
they are still warranted in light of current scientific research.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We will explore all possible ways of expressing Canada's position on this issue
and protecting our access to world export markets. We would not rule out recourse
to the World Trade Organization, if necessary," said Mr. Marchi. "Our priority
has always been, and continues to be, protecting the Canadian chrysotile fibre
industry and the thousands of direct and indirect jobs generated by it."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Numerous efforts have been made at the technical, scientific and diplomatic
levels to convince our trading partners that the safe use of chrysotile fibre is
the key to managing the risks associated with it.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Our actions on behalf of the chrysotile fibre industry have been guided by
discussions and consultations with our partners. We look forward to continued co-operation with them on this issue," said Mr. Goodale.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The rapid development of the issue demands a constant review of the common
strategy developed by the Canadian government and its partners. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Leslie Swartman</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">John Embury</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Press Secretary</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Natural Resources</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 996-2007</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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