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<title>MARCHI ANNOUNCES NEW YOUTH INITIATIVE</title>
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<p><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">March 6, 1998 No. 46</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">MARCHI ANNOUNCES NEW YOUTH INITIATIVE</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today announced a new youth
international internship project valued at $225 000 for the Centre for Research
on Latin America and the Caribbean at York University in Toronto.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The initiative will provide 15 young Canadians from across the country with
training and experience in the hemisphere's main political forum, the
Organization of American States (OAS), in Washington, D.C.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada views Latin America as a priority for further economic, political and
social links," said Mr. Marchi. "Through this project we can offer young
Canadians the opportunity to become familiar with issues of the Americas. This
initiative is particularly important as Canada prepares to host for the first
time the General Assembly of the OAS in the year 2000."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean is an
interdisciplinary research unit that seeks to build links between Canada and
these regions. Minister Marchi made the announcement at the International
Graduate Business Conference at York University.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Prospective candidates may obtain more information regarding eligibility criteria
by calling 1-800-559-2888 or by visiting the Department's Web site at www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca under "Canadian Youth."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 1998 federal budget
and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.</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">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>
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