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<title>CANADA AND FRANCE SIGN AGREEMENT TO EXPAND MOBILITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 18 TO 35</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>October 3, 2003 <em>(12:15 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 146</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA AND FRANCE SIGN AGREEMENT TO EXPAND MOBILITY </strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>OF YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 18 TO 35</strong></font></p>
<p>Minister of Foreign Affairs Bill Graham today in Paris signed an agreement with France, in the presence of the Minister
Responsible for Cooperation and La Francophonie, Pierre-André Wiltzer, to encourage and expand the mobility of young
people between 18 and 35 years of age.</p>
<p>"We are delighted to foster the international mobility of young Canadians," said Minister Graham. "This agreement will
enable some 7,000 young Canadians each year to gain international experience, thereby helping to make Canada a world
leader in the global knowledge economy."</p>
<p>The new agreement will bring to 14,000 the total number of places for Canadian and French young people to complete a
field placement or to finish their studies as part of an exchange program, while travelling and working occasionally.</p>
<p>This agreement, whose main goal is to consolidate and streamline administrative procedures for obtaining an extended
residence permit and work permit, will contribute to a better understanding of our respective cultures in all areas.</p>
<p>Beginning in 2004, this agreement will enable young Canadians to spend time touring France and exploring its culture,
while having permission to work. In addition, students will be able to pursue professional activities in France during their
university holidays, as well as fulfilling part of their university curriculum in a French school through an inter-university
agreement. Lastly, young professionals will be able to sharpen their skills through employment contracts, and students will
be able to obtain field placements to fulfil their course and training requirements.</p>
<p>To date, the Working Holiday Program has enabled numerous young Canadians and French to work in the other country
during their university holidays. In 2003, Canada issued some 4,000 visas to young French people.</p>
<p>- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Isabelle Savard</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</p>
<p>(613) 995-1851</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221231442/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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