June 26, 2006
No. A/28

MINISTERS EMERSON AND STRAHL TO PARTICIPATE IN

WTO INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING IN GENEVA

The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of International Trade, and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, will represent Canada at the World Trade Organization (WTO) informal ministerial meeting in Geneva, which will begin on June 30, 2006.

In Geneva, the ministers will seek to reach agreement on detailed rules and commitments in the agriculture and non-agricultural market access negotiations. This would set the stage for efforts to conclude the Doha Development Round of negotiations by the end of 2006.

The Government of Canada is committed to pursuing a successful outcome to this meeting that advances Canada’s interests. Canada is seeking an outcome that will create a more level international playing field for its agriculture and agri-food sector, and increased market access for its goods and services providers. 

Media representatives wishing to participate in media debriefings by the Canadian delegation in Geneva must call (613) 996-2000 by 3:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 28, to register.

Due to the fluid schedule of the WTO meetings in Geneva, media debriefings may be scheduled on short notice. Those registered will be contacted with teleconference details for the debriefings.

For more information, please contact:

Robert Klager
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
(613) 614-8569

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
(613) 996-2000
http://www.international.gc.ca

Conrad Bellehumeur
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister
for the Canadian Wheat Board
(613) 759-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
(613) 759-7972; 1 866 345-7972
http://www.agr.gc.ca