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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">December 1, 2004 <i>(4:15 p.m. EST)</i> No. 143</span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">CANADA EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF TROPICAL
STORMS IN PHILIPPINES</span></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today expressed deep sadness over reports
that landslides and flash floods in the eastern Philippines have claimed hundreds of
lives. Another tropical storm is forecast to strike that nation later this week.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">“Canadians are shocked by the tragic loss of life and the enormous damage and
suffering that have been wreaked by these events,” said Minister Pettigrew. “We extend
our deepest sympathies to the people of the Philippines in this time of sorrow. Canada
shares a close bond of friendship with the Philippines. All Canadians, including those of
Philippine origin, are deeply saddened by the news of these natural disasters.”</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">The Minister also noted that officials at the Canadian Embassy in Manila are working
closely with the Philippine authorities to monitor the safety of Canadians in the region.
At this time, there are no reports of any Canadians among the victims.</span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">- 30 -</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">For further information, media representatives may contact:</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Sébastien Théberge<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs<br>
(613) 995-1851</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Media Relations Office<br>
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
</span></span><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20071207023001/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="color: #000000"></span></span></span></p>
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