July 30, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Chretien is pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador Robert Fowler, Canada's Ambassador to Italy, as his personal representative for next year's G7/G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Mr. Fowler is charged with the coordination of both the substance and organization of the Summit. In carrying out these duties he will work in close cooperation with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Fowler will also be the Prime Minister's personal representative to a new G8 working group which will liaise with African Leaders on the development of a concrete Action Plan to support the implementation of the key themes of the New African Initiative. At Genoa, G8 Leaders agreed to take pro-active steps to support African efforts to resolve African problems. The Action Plan will be presented at the G8 Summit next year under the leadership of Canada.

Ambassador Fowler is one of Canada’s most senior and experienced diplomats. Prior to taking up his current assignment as Ambassador to Italy, he spent nearly six years as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York where he represented Canada on the Security Council in 1999 and 2000. He was also the Deputy Minister of National Defence from 1989 to 1995 and the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister from 1980 to 1986.

- 30 -

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555