February 7, 2001 (11:15 a.m. EST) No. 18

PETTIGREW RELEASES PUBLIC CONSULTATION

REPORT ON GATS

International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today made public a report that details the views of some Canadians and Canadian organizations on the upcoming negotiations regarding the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).

"These consultations demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Canadians have a say in our trade agreements," said Minister Pettigrew. "The diversity of opinions and the range of suggestions collected both during the consultations and afterward are helping us to define and promote Canadian interests."

The report provides a general summary of the comments that were made during joint federal and provincial/territorial cross-country consultations held between June and October 2000. The information collected will be used to help establish Canada's initial position for the GATS negotiations.

"A range of knowledge sectors -- like engineering, architecture and information technology services -- will be considered during the GATS talks," added the Minister. "It is in Canada's interest to be an active participant in these negotiations. Knowledge is the fastest-growing aspect of international trade, and it is vital for our country to build a strong knowledge-based economy. It's a key to opening up the future for our youth."

The consultation paper can be found at: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/sk00085e.html

Further details about the GATS, the consultation paper and a means to provide your direct input can be found at the Government of Canada services 2000 Web site at: http://services2000.ic.gc.ca

- 30 -

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sylvie Bussières

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874