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Australia Portion of Team Canada '99 to be Deferred
August 31, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that the Australia portion of Team Canada ‘99, planned for September 18-22, is being deferred. The Prime Minister spoke last night to Prime Minister Howard of Australia, who indicated his full understanding of the reasons for this decision.
"The secret to Team Canada's extraordinary success has always been our ability to have most of our team of premiers in place," said the Prime Minister. "Although all of the premiers had initially agreed to go to Australia, it became clear in recent days that circumstances unforeseen at the time and scheduling conflicts would no longer make this possible for many of them. Given the tremendous interest that the business community has shown in our going to Australia, I am sure that we can put together a fine program again in the future."
The Prime Minister confirmed that the Japan portion of Team Canada ‘99 will go ahead as planned.
Team Canada has been a centrepiece of the government's strategy to boost Canadian trade and showcase our skills and know-how to the world. The innovative government -private sector partnership behind Team Canada has demonstrated to the world that Canadians are ready to work together to meet the challenges of the global economy. And it has been a resounding success. The four Team Canada's so far have concluded more than 850 deals in 12 countries, worth an estimated $24 billion. Deals that have translated into thousands of jobs in Canada, and a new, higher profile for Canada in key markets in Asia and Latin America.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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