| Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
| news releases
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, took the opportunity while visiting Sept-Îles today to announce the awarding of $98,968 in non-repayable funding to Société Bleu Nordique for the acquisition of specialized equipment. This contribution rounds off the more than $800,000 already invested in the startup of a berry processing plant in the Côte-Nord region, an initiative that has resulted in the creation of six local jobs.
| Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
| news releases
The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, today announced the awarding of $439,646 in non-repayable funding to Club Nord-Neige Forestville Inc. to repair sections of the Trans-Québec 3 (TQ 3) provincial snowmobiling trail severely damaged by the heavy rainstorms that struck the Côte-Nord region in spring and summer 2008.
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today welcomed the release of the final report of the Expert Panel on Securities Regulation, which recommends the establishment of a federal securities regulator and a single securities act for Canada.
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday announced the appointment of Ken Lewis as the new Representative of Canada in Kandahar effective immediately, succeeding Elissa Golberg who has held the position since its creation in March 2008.
The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada publishes information on safety and security conditions abroad. Following is a list of changes made to Current Issues and Travel Reports released in the last 24 hours. This list is subject to change. Please visit www.voyage.gc.ca for further information.
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| news releases
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney held official bilateral meetings with the Pakistani Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Advisor to the Prime Minister (Interior Affairs), Information Minister, Minister for Labour and Manpower, Minister of Minorities, and other government officials during a two-day visit to Pakistan. Minister Kenney also met with Canadian visa officers at the High Commission in Islamabad and important Pakistani political figures, as well as religious leaders from different communities.
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, has made his first visit to the United States, in advance of President-elect Barack Obama taking office on January 20, 2009.
| Employment and Social Development Canada
| news releases
We have been in close contact with President-elect Obama's transition team. We can confirm that the President-elect has accepted the Prime Minister's invitation to visit Canada soon after he is inaugurated. This will be President Obama's first foreign visit.
