Prime Minister announces visit to Canada of President Alberto Fujimori of Peru

"As Canada prepares to host the next Summit of the Americas, it's important to consult with the region's leaders on a broad range of social, political and economic issues," said the Prime Minister. "Canada is committed to working with Peru and its neighbours to help build prosperous, peaceful societies throughout the region."

Peru receives the most Canadian development assistance of any country in South America. Canadian International Development Agency programs in Peru aim to alleviate poverty, strengthen democratic institutions and encourage respect for human rights. Canada, for example, has supported Peru's Ombudsman -- which has become a respected human rights watchdog in the country -- by providing funds to help guarantee that rights are respected in Peru's justice system.

These projects include funds to help set up an office of the Assistant Ombudsman responsible for penal issues; a project to help ensure that the Ombudsman's office visits and reports on conditions in most of the country's prisons; and funds to support the Ombudsman in holding a forum on democratic development. Recently, Canada also provided support to help the Organization of American States to observe municipal elections.

President Fujimori will visit Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary. In Ottawa, he will meet the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Speakers of the House of Commons and the Senate, and several members of the Cabinet. He will also participate in a round table meeting with members of the scientific community. In Toronto, he will attend a luncheon hosted by International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi, and will meet with Premier Mike Harris and various private sector firms.

At his final official stop in Calgary, Mr. Fujimori will attend a luncheon hosted by Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale, meet Premier Ralph Klein, and tour agriculture and petrochemical facilities.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555