Prime Minister Announces Steps to Strengthen Transatlantic Relations

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced several new initiatives to strengthen transatlantic relations with the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). The announcement followed today's bilateral discussions with British Prime Minister Tony Blair as well as a Canada-EU Summit, at which the Prime Minister and Mr. Blair were joined by Jacques Santer, President of the European Commission.

"I am very pleased with the outcome of my discussions with Prime Minister Blair and President Santer," said the Prime Minister. "The steps we have announced will enable Canada to remain an active and engaged partner with the new Britain and the new Europe."

At the Canada-UK bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Chrétien and Prime Minister Blair reviewed the progress of the Joint Declaration, signed last June, which set in motion the modernization of the Canada-UK relationship in a broad range of political, economic and cultural areas. Following the meeting, the prime ministers witnessed the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding: to link Canadian and British students on the Internet; to establish a joint science and technology fund; to facilitate joint Canada- British research efforts; and to enhance cooperation between the two countries' aerospace industries.

At the Canada-EU Summit, the leaders welcomed progress on a joint trade study aimed at facilitating trade in goods and services and further reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. They agreed that Canadian and EU trade ministers will prepare options and recommendations for further cross-Atlantic trade and investment liberalization, to be examined before the end of 1998. The leaders also witnessed the signature of a Canada-EU agreement which will reduce regulatory approval costs for marketing Canadian products in Europe and vice versa.

Prime Minister Chrétien also expressed his support for Canada's emerging Crossing the Pond initiative, designed both to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises pursue transatlantic opportunities, and make sure EU investors are aware of the Canadian advantage in the North American marketplace.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi, who were also present at the Canada-EU meeting, announced that approximately 55 more youth internships will be available for young Canadians in Europe, in addition to the 85 announced in January.

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Prime Minister Chrétien witnessed the signing of four Canada-UK Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) plus one Canada-EU Agreement. The following is a brief description of each:

This MOU, between Industry Canada's Office on International Partnerships and the UK Department for Education and Employment, will facilitate the link-up between Canada's Schoolnet and the United Kingdom's National Grid for Learning. The objective of the MOU is cooperation in the enhancement of learning and teaching at the school-age level and in providing skills to young people to prepare them for the emerging global information society.

The Office of International Partnerships is a single point of access to Canadian expertise for countries, foreign companies and international agencies wishing to develop the human resources necessary to support a knowledge-based economy through the use of information and communications technology in their learning and training systems. The UK Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) has the responsibility for Science, Engineering and Technology education and training at all levels, from schools through to higher education and vocational training.

Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Cooperation Between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Royal Society

This MOU encourages joint British-Canadian research efforts and facilitates the movement of researchers between Canada and the U.K. by providing a reciprocal exchange of postdoctoral fellowships in science and engineering in the partner country.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is the national instrument for making strategic investments in Canada's capability in science and technology. It supports basic university research through research grants and project research through partnerships of universities with industry, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people in both areas. The Royal Society, founded in 1660, is Britain's academy of science. The Society is involved in a variety of international scientific programs and facilitates collaborative projects and exchange of scientists through bilateral agreements with academics and Research Councils throughout the world.

Memorandum of Understanding between the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the British Council (BC) to its Offices in Canada

This MOU will establish an science and technology (S&T) joint fund, worth CDN $1.5 million over three years, between the British Council and the National Research Council of Canada. This fund will support joint co-operative research projects, the exchange of students and researchers and encourage industrial partnerships. This S&T collaboration will enhance the S&T capabilities of both organizations in areas of strategic importance to their respective partners.

The National Research Council of Canada, as Canada's pre-eminent research and development organization, is a leader in the drive to create an innovative, knowledge-based Canadian economy. A significant part of the British Council's work is to encourage scientific collaboration by establishing contacts through programs, exchange of specialists and policy makers, specialized seminars and other activities.

Memorandum of Understanding between Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and the Society of British Aerospace Companies

This MOU will lead to strategic alliances, joint research and development efforts and enhanced investment and trade flows. Emphasis is placed on international partnering of small and medium enterprises and international youth internship.

The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada is the voice of the aerospace industry in Canada. The Society of British Aerospace Companies is the internationally recognized trade association of the UK aerospace industry.

Canada-EU Agreement on Regulatory Cooperation

This agreement will reduce red tape and costs incurred in verifying that imported products fully conform with the regulatory requirements of each others' jurisdictions. It will cover telecommunications equipment (electrical safety and electro-magnetic compatibility), pharmaceutical good manufacturing practices, medical devices and recreational boats.