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<title>CANADA APPOINTS FACILITATOR TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SECTOR DISCUSSION OF VOLUNTARY BUSINESS CODES OF CONDUCT</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong></strong></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>May 11, 1999 <em>(9:55 a.m. EDT) </em> No. 107</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>CANADA APPOINTS FACILITATOR TO ENCOURAGE </strong></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong></strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>PRIVATE SECTOR DISCUSSION OF VOLUNTARY BUSINESS CODES OF CONDUCT </strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Government of Canada has appointed University of Waterloo professor John English to facilitate exploratory
discussions among interested business, labour and non-governmental organizations on the issue of voluntary
codes of conduct to guide Canadian businesses when choosing foreign suppliers.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Professor English has identified interested parties who can contribute to these discussions and who will meet
today in Toronto to develop a preliminary work program and timetable, and to explore possible options.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The appointment of a facilitator responds to public concern regarding production conditions of consumer goods
sold in Canada.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Dr. English was selected by Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi
and Labour Minister Claudette Bradshaw. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Human
Resources Development Canada - Labour Program, and other federal departments will be involved in these
discussions in an advisory capacity.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This appointment reflects the Canadian government's commitment to encouraging domestic and international
partnerships that promote fair and equitable global business practices. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For more information, media representatives may contact: </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Leslie Swartman</font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 992-7332</font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Emily Thomas </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Labour </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(819) 953-5646</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International </font><font face="Arial">Trade</font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Professor John English</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(519) 745-5957</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial"><strike></strike></font><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial"><strong>Biographical Note</strong> </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">John English is a professor of history and political science at the University of Waterloo and director of the
University's Centre on Foreign Policy and Federalism. He has been associated with the University since 1972. Mr.
English has won several writing awards for his books, essays and articles on Canadian politics and sustainable
development. Between 1993 and 1997, he was the Member of Parliament for Kitchener, Ontario, where he served
on several committees, including as Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs
and International Trade. From 1997 to 1998, he served as special adviser on anti-personnel mines to the Minister
of Foreign Affairs and was the Deputy Chair of the 1997 Ottawa conference that resulted in the treaty banning anti-personnel mines. Professor English holds a BA from the University of Waterloo and a PhD from Harvard University. </font></p>
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