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Ambassador named in support of Calgary's candidacy to host EXPO 2005


August 27, 1996
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the appointment of Mr. J. Edward G. Gibson as Canadian Ambassador in support of Calgary's candidacy for the 2005 World Exposition.

"We know the competition will be tough for Canada. But the City of Calgary has gained a world reputation as a result of its superb organization of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and it has a strong proposal that will be greatly helped by Mr. Gibson's competence and international experience," Mr. Chrétien said.

A career diplomat, Ambassador Gibson joined the Trade Commissioner Service in 1962 and served in Mexico, Canberra, Islamabad, Caracas and The Hague. From 1983 to 1987, he was Canadian Ambassador to Colombia and since 1992, Canadian Consul General in Dallas, Texas.

Ambassador Gibson will lead the campaign to win the support of the 48 member countries of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), culminating in a vote by the BIE General Assembly in June 1997.

The Prime Minister also announced that Mr. Ken Read, a former championship downhill skier, will take on responsibilities for promoting Calgary's candidacy for the 2005 World Exposition. "Ken Read is a symbol of Canadian excellence and achievement. And he is a Calgarian who will provide valuable assistance in raising Canadian public awareness of and support for Calgary's candidacy," said Mr. Chrétien.

Canada's proposed theme for this exposition, to be held from May to October 2005, is The Land: Our Common Ground.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555

Biographical note on Ambassador Gibson attached.


BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Mr. J. Edward G. Gibson (BA, University of Western Ontario, 1958; post-secondary studies at the London School of Economics, 1960-62), born in Hamilton and raised in London, Ontario, joined the Trade Commissioner Service in 1962 and served in Mexico City, Canberra, Islamabad, Caracas and The Hague. From 1983 to 1987, he was Ambassador of Canada in Colombia and since 1992, Canadian Consul General in Dallas, Texas. In Ottawa, he was Director General, Europe, in the former department of Industry, Trade and Commerce from 1979 to 1982. Following the reorganization of the departments he held a number of positions in what is now the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, including Assistant Under Secretary of State responsible for European trade development and several Director Generalships in the International Business Development Branch. He is married to Jayne E. MacGregor and they have three children.


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