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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>June 11, 2002 <em>(3:45 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 65</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>PETTIGREW LAUNCHES DIRECTORY OF ABORIGINAL EXPORTERS</strong></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial">International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today launched the <em>Directory of Aboriginal Exporters 2002</em>, a
practical trade tool to raise the presence and profile of Canadian Aboriginal exporters around the world. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Aboriginal exporters greatly enhance Canada's presence in global markets and contribute to economic activity
across the country," said Minister Pettigrew. "The Government of Canada is committed to assisting Aboriginal
firms to develop business in foreign markets." </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The <em>Directory of Aboriginal Exporters 2002 </em>profiles twice as many firms as were featured in the previous edition.
This tool, available in print and on-line, gives buyers around the world access to Canada's Aboriginal exporters. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The expansion of the new <em>Directory of Aboriginal Exporters</em> is a testimony to the success of Aboriginal
businesses at the international level," said Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development. "Increasing economic opportunities for Aboriginal businesses is a top priority of the Government
of Canada."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"First Nations, Métis and Inuit business owners are active in every sector of the economy," said Industry Minister
Allan Rock. "These businesses are a positive force in our economy and are important contributors to our
competitiveness in world markets."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Directory is produced by the Aboriginal International Business Development Committee (AIBD), which is
comprised of 29 federal departments and agencies. The AIBD is co-chaired by the Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada's Aboriginal Business Canada, and the Department of Indian
Affairs and Northern Development.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Directory is available at <a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221133125/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/aboriginalplanet/directory-en.asp">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/aboriginalplanet/directory-en.asp</a></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Sébastien Théberge</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221133125/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/"><font face="Arial">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Alastair Mullin</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(819) 997-0002</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Selena Beattie</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Industry</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-9001</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Radek Bandzierz</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Aboriginal Business Canada </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 946-9969</font></p>
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