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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">November 24, 2005<i> (10:05 a.m. EST)</i><br>
No. 233</span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">MINISTER PETTIGREW ANNOUNCES SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR
UPCOMING ITALIAN NATIONAL ELECTIONS </span></span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today announced a special arrangement
between Canada and Italy to permit Italian citizens and dual citizens residing in Canada
to stand as candidates for seats in the Italian parliament for the upcoming Italian
national election, to be held no later than May 2006. The arrangement does not affect
the ability of those individuals to vote in Italian national elections and referenda, as they
have had that right since 1981.</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">“I am delighted to announce this arrangement, which will complement the close political,
economic and cultural ties already shared by Canada and Italy,” said Minister Pettigrew.
“This follows extensive discussion and consultations with the Government of Italy and
the Italo-Canadian community, and reflects shared interests and a common
commitment to democratic values.”</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Under this arrangement, voting and campaigning may take place by postal mail, via e-mail, the Internet, and within Italy’s extensive network of diplomatic and consular offices
across Canada. The Government of Canada will observe and review the running of this
Italian electoral campaign in Canada before considering similar requests in the future.</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Canada joins many other countries with diverse, multicultural societies in agreeing to
this type of electoral arrangement with Italy. </span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">- 30 -</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">For further information, media representatives may contact:</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">James Christoff<br>
Press Secretary<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
</span></span><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070220184348/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000"></span></span></span></p>
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