|
LETTER SENT BY PRIME MINISTER
JEAN CHRÉTIEN TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
January 17, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario
Attached is the text of a letter sent by Prime Minister Jean
Chrétien to His Excellency Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the
International Olympic Committee, to express the Government of Canada's support
for Toronto's bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2008. The letter
was part of Toronto's candidature file which was officially delivered to IOC
today in Lausanne, Switzerland.
- 30 -
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
Your Excellency:
I wish to express my personal support and that of
the Government of Canada for Toronto's bid for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in
2008. Canada is committed to sporting excellence and has been a proud
participant and successful host of past Olympic Games.
In Canada, you will find a nation that works
every day towards creating the conditions of the Olympic ideal. We believe
strongly in a peaceful society that is concerned with preserving human dignity
and advancing the human condition in harmony with our international neighbours
and the natural environment in which we live.
One of the most prominent distinguishing
characteristics of Canadian society is its increasing ethnic, racial and
linguistic diversity working together in a common citizenship. Nowhere is this
evolving faster than in Toronto, where people from around the world have found a
home, bringing with them their cultures, ideas and values to share with the rich,
existing multicultural mix. In the process, Toronto has forged a global
metropolis that is larger than the sum of its diverse parts.
The Government of Canada regards hosting the 2008
Olympic and Paralympic Games in Toronto as a matter of international
significance and of pride to Canadians, and has committed financially to join
with our government partners in a $1.5 billion revitalization of Toronto's
waterfront. To prepare the Olympic site, waterfront revitalization will lead to
cleaner land and water and will create exciting public spaces that will serve
Toronto for generations to come. Furthermore, the Government of Canada has
provided a Covenant in which we agree to participate in hosting and staging the
Games and co-operate with other Games partners in respecting the provisions of
the Olympic Charter.
As a nation, we are fully aware of the important
responsibilities and obligations that will fall to us as host city for 2008. We
remain confident that we possess the necessary vision, talent and energy to
successfully celebrate the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008. We look forward
to the endorsement of the members of the International Olympic Committee to take
on this important responsibility.
Yours sincerely,
(ORIGINAL SIGNED BY THE
RIGHT
HONOURABLE JEAN CHRÉTIEN)
|
