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PRIME MINISTER TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FEDERALISM IN SWITZERLAND AND WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

August 27, 2002
Ottawa Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will participate in the International Conference on Federalism 2002, in St.Gallen. Switzerland, on August 30th and 31st, and in the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, from September 1 to 3, 2002.

"Countries such as Canada and Switzerland illustrate the great adaptability of federal systems," said the Prime Minister. "Federalism allows government policies and actions to be tailored to the demographic, geographic, cultural and economic circumstances of a nation. Through international fora like the St.Gallen Conference on Federalism, or the Mont-Tremblant Conference held in Canada, in 1999, participating countries can share their experience and best governance practices."

The Johannesburg Summit will bring together tens of thousands of participants, including heads of State and Government, national delegates and leaders from non-governmental organizations, businesses and other major groups. The Summit presents an opportunity for today's leaders to re-energize efforts to implement Agenda 21, a global plan of action adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

"The 20th century taught us the limits and delicate balance of life on planet Earth. The Summit in Johannesburg will bring us together to determine in concrete terms how we can improve our partnerships and our governance to make this world and its economy truly sustainable, for the sake of all future generations," said the Prime Minister. "In doing so, Canada will focus its efforts on where we can most effectively contribute," said the Prime Minister. Putting special emphasis on Africa through our Africa Action Plan and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), placing high priority on the links between health and the environment are absolutely essential.

Canada’s delegation to the Summit will also consist of provincial/territorial representatives, development and environmental non-governmental organisations, youth, municipal representatives, Aboriginal peoples, private sector representatives and other eminent Canadians.

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