May 11, 1999 (9:55 a.m. EDT) No. 107

CANADA APPOINTS FACILITATOR TO ENCOURAGE

PRIVATE SECTOR DISCUSSION OF VOLUNTARY BUSINESS CODES OF CONDUCT

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.

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.

The appointment of a facilitator responds to public concern regarding production conditions of consumer goods sold in Canada.

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.

This appointment reflects the Canadian government's commitment to encouraging domestic and international partnerships that promote fair and equitable global business practices.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Leslie Swartman

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Emily Thomas

Office of the Minister of Labour

(819) 953-5646

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

Professor John English

(519) 745-5957

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Biographical Note

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.