Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will participate in the
International Conference on Federalism 2002, in St.Gallen. Switzerland, on
August 30th and 31st, and in the World Summit on
Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa, from September 1 to 3,
2002.
"Countries such as Canada and Switzerland illustrate the great
adaptability of federal systems," said the Prime Minister. "Federalism
allows government policies and actions to be tailored to the demographic,
geographic, cultural and economic circumstances of a nation. Through
international fora like the St.Gallen Conference on Federalism, or the Mont-Tremblant
Conference held in Canada, in 1999, participating countries can share their
experience and best governance practices."
The Johannesburg Summit will bring together tens of thousands of
participants, including heads of State and Government, national delegates and
leaders from non-governmental organizations, businesses and other major groups.
The Summit presents an opportunity for today's leaders to re-energize efforts to
implement Agenda 21, a global plan of action adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in
Rio de Janeiro.
"The 20th century taught us the limits and delicate balance
of life on planet Earth. The Summit in Johannesburg will bring us together to
determine in concrete terms how we can improve our partnerships and our
governance to make this world and its economy truly sustainable, for the sake of
all future generations," said the Prime Minister. "In doing so, Canada
will focus its efforts on where we can most effectively contribute," said
the Prime Minister. Putting special emphasis on Africa through our Africa
Action Plan and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD),
placing high priority on the links between health and the environment are
absolutely essential.
Canada’s delegation to the Summit will also consist of
provincial/territorial representatives, development and environmental
non-governmental organisations, youth, municipal representatives, Aboriginal
peoples, private sector representatives and other eminent Canadians.
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