September 23, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Claude Laverdure, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, will assume the role of his Personal Representative to the G-8. This responsibility was carried out with great skill leading up the June G-8 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta by Robert Fowler, Canada’s Ambassador to Italy. Mr. Fowler is returning to Italy to resume his duties there.

"Ambassador Fowler did a tremendous job as my G-8 Sherpa leading up to Kananaskis," said the Prime Minister. "His skill and commitment contributed immeasurably to the success the Summit. "

The Prime Minister also announced that, in accordance with the decisions taken at Kananaskis, and to ensure that Africa remains at the centre of the G-8 agenda, Ambassador Fowler will retain his role as the Prime Minister’s Personal Representative for Africa.

"I attach great importance to the effective implementation of the Africa Action Plan that all G-8 Leaders endorsed at Kananaskis," said the Prime Minister. "Mr. Fowler’s intimate acquaintance with the Action Plan ideally suits him to continue in that role. He will continue to work within government and with the public to ensure in-depth and passionate follow-up. Africa’s need is urgent. Responding to that need is an urgent priority of our government."

At Kananaskis, G-8 Leaders committed themselves to a concrete Africa Action Plan, identifying resources and a follow-up process to ensure effective action. The Plan will support the objectives of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), under which African nations that embrace good governance, investments in people and sound economic management will enjoy enhanced and more effective development assistance from developed nations, in addition to increased business and investment opportunities.

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