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<title>NATIONAL FORUM ON CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TO ADDRESS PEACEBUILDING AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">October 22, 1996 No. 194</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">NATIONAL FORUM ON CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TO
ADDRESS PEACEBUILDING AND INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNICATIONS</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced plans for the 1996
National Forum on Canada's International Relations. Organizers in five
communities across the country will host one-day discussions on peacebuilding and
international communications between late October and mid November. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Peacebuilding and international communications are two emerging policy areas that
will be key to the promotion of Canadian values worldwide," said Mr. Axworthy.
"These consultations are in keeping with our commitment to include Canadians in
the development of foreign policy."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The first sessions will take place in Halifax on October 24 and Victoria on
October 26 and will focus on peacebuilding. Other discussions will take place in
Quebec City, Toronto and Edmonton. Mr. Axworthy will host a wrap-up session of
the National Forum in Winnipeg on December 13.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Up to 500 Canadians -- including youth, academics, community leaders and
representatives of non-governmental organizations, business and labour -- are
expected to participate.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This year's National Forum is being co-ordinated by the Canadian Centre for
Foreign Policy Development in consultation with local community-based groups.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Canadian Centre for Foreign Policy Development has been established within the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to help Canadians
participate in foreign policy making. In addition to co-ordinating the National
Forum, the Centre manages public consultation, research and other John Holmes Fund
projects. The Fund was established earlier this year by Mr. Axworthy.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">A list of discussion sessions is attached.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Catherine Lappe</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Director of Communications</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</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>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca; and on the Internet site for the Canadian Centre for
Foreign Policy Development: www.cfp-pec.gc.ca</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+1"> NATIONAL FORUM ON CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS</font><font face="Courier"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"><strong>Community-based Sessions</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Date: October 24 </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Venue: Dalhousie University, Halifax</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Theme: Peacebuilding</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Contact: Tim Shaw</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Tel.: (902) 494-3769</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Date: October 26</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Venue: University of Victoria, Victoria</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Theme: Peacebuilding</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Contact: Dawn McLean</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Tel.: (604) 360-1405</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Date: November 2</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Venue: University of Alberta, Edmonton</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Theme: International communications</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Contact: Mary McDonald</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Tel.: (403) 427-7421</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Date: November 15</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Venue: York University, Toronto</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Theme: International communications</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Contact: Ruth Abrahamson</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Tel.: (416) 494-1440</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Date: November 16</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Venue: Laval University, Quebec City</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Theme: Peacebuilding</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Contact: Alain Prujiner</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Tel.: (418) 656-7771</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"><strong>Concluding Session</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Date: December 13</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Venue: Fort Gary Hotel, Winnipeg</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Themes: Wrap-up discussion with Minister Axworthy</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Contact: Jim Fergusson</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Tel.: (204) 474-6606</font></p>
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