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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

September 17, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed his gratitude upon being the first Head of Government to receive the Fred M. Packard International Parks Merit Award, the highest honour from the IUCN World Conservation Union, for his achievements in extending and protecting Canada’s national parks.

"It is a great honour to receive this award. Our national park system has been a tool that has helped preserve Canada’s diverse eco-systems from coast to coast to coast and ensure that they will be there for future generations of Canadians. As a nation, we must never take for granted the abundant gifts that nature has bestowed upon us and we must continue to show leadership in the preservation and protection of Canada’s – and the earth’s – natural legacy. I am especially honoured when I note that previous Canadian recipients of the Fred M. Packard Award include the Council of the Haida Nation and the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada on behalf of Canadian Inuit. I share with all Canadians a deep commitment to protect our vast land."

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