PRIME MINISTER TO HOST G8 SUMMIT IN KANANASKIS, ALBERTA

June 20, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien will host this year’s G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, on June 26 and 27. G8 leaders meet once a year to agree upon collective action in response to global challenges. This year, leaders will focus on strengthening global economic growth and sustainable development, building a new partnership for Africa and fighting terrorism.

"We have an unparalleled opportunity to create a new partnership for Africa’s development. African countries recognize that they must take ownership for their own development and create the conditions, including good governance and peace and security, that will attract greater public and private resources to finance this development," said the Prime Minister. "Developed countries must match Africa’s commitment by our own efforts to encourage trade and investment and provide more effective official development assistance."

At the Summit, Canada and its G8 partners will respond to a pledge by African leaders to consolidate democracy and sound economic management and to promote peace, security and people-oriented development. Leaders are expected to discuss a number of economic development issues as well as pressing challenges to regional security.

The leaders of France, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Italy along with the President of the European Commission and the President of the Government of Spain, which holds the European Council presidency, will attend. Four African leaders and the United Nations Secretary General will participate in the discussions on Africa.

- 30 -

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555