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<title>PETTIGREW RELEASES PUBLIC CONSULTATION REPORT ON GATS</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong></strong></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>February 7, 2001 <em>(11:15 a.m. EST)</em> No. 18</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>PETTIGREW RELEASES PUBLIC CONSULTATION</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>REPORT ON GATS</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">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).</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">"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."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">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.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">"A range of knowledge sectors -- like engineering, architecture and information technology
services --<strong> </strong>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."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">The consultation paper can be found at: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/sk00085e.html</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">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</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">Sylvie Bussières</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="+1">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
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