Canada Information Office

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the establishment of the Canada Information Office to inform Canadians about the federal system of government and promote Canadian identity.

"Canadians have made it clear that they are proud of their country and want to know more about it and about each other. To do so, they need to have ready access to information about the Canadian federation, and to understand how it is changing in response to the demands and priorities of its citizens," said the Prime Minister.

Reporting to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, the Office responds to the commitment by the Government of Canada in the Speech from the Throne to bring forward measures to help Canadians better understand each other and to build a stronger Canada. It is expected to operate with a budget of some $20 million which was provided for in the March 1996 Budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. The Office will be fully operational by the time Parliament returns on September 16.

Roger Collet has been appointed as Executive Director of the Canada Information Office. Mr. Collet, originally from Manitoba, is a long-time public servant, and has worked with both provincial and federal governments.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Canadian Heritage
Duncan Dee: (613) 997-7788

(Biography attached)

Date of Birth: July 1, 1942

Education:

- B.A., Philosophy, University of Ottawa, Ottawa
- B.A., Education, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
- Public Administration Certificate, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

Professional Experience:

August 1993 - present
Assistant Deputy Minister, Citizenship and Canadian Identity, Department of Canadian Heritage

1992 - 1993
Assistant Under Secretary of State, Official Languages, Translation and Education Support, Secretary of State of Canada

1987 - 1992
Held simultaneously the positions of Regional Executive Director, Manitoba Centre Region, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Arts and Heritage, Communications Canada

1981 - 1987
Regional Director, Manitoba Regional Office, Secretary of State of Canada, Manitoba

1974 - 1981
District Director, Department of Community Services and Corrections, Province of Manitoba

1971 - 1974
Community Development Officer, Department of Health and Community Services, Province of Manitoba

1970 - 1971
Development Officer - Educational Programs - Rural Areas, Société franco-manitobaine, Manitoba

1969 - 1970
Teacher, La Broquerie High School, Seine River School Division and St. Norbert Collegiate, Manitoba