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<title>CANADA WELCOMES THE WTO DECISION TO ESTABLISHA PANEL TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE WITH FRANCE OVER CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">November 26, 1998 <em>(12:00 p.m. EST)</em> No. 271</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">CANADA WELCOMES THE WTO DECISION TO ESTABLISH</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">A PANEL TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE WITH FRANCE OVER CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi and Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale today welcomed the
decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a panel to resolve the dispute between Canada
and France over chrysotile asbestos.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The next step is to set up the panel and launch the procedures. With these elements in place, we are confident
that Canada's arguments, based as they are on scientific data, will prevail," said Mr. Marchi.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The Government of Canada will do whatever it takes at this crucial juncture to demonstrate that chrysotile
asbestos products can be used without undue risk, subject to compliance with the responsible use principle in
the government's policy on minerals and metals," said Mr. Goodale.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Last month, Canada asked the WTO to establish a panel to review France's decision to ban asbestos in light of
that country's international obligations. Canada's application was made following a series of discussions with
asbestos industry stakeholders, primarily in Quebec.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Leslie Swartman</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">John Embury</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Natural Resources</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 996-2007</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">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</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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