November 16, 2004 OTTAWA -- Minister of National Defence Bill Graham will travel to Quito, Ecuador to attend the biennial Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas. Minister Graham will lead the Canadian delegation and will be joined by LGen Rick Hillier, Chief of the Land Staff. Building on Canada's commitment to enhance international peace and security, Minister Graham will engage in discussions on hemispheric security, confidence-building measures, and regional cooperation for defence, development, and democracy. Minister Graham will also conduct bilateral discussions with counterparts from various countries during the event. "Through peacekeeping cooperation, military training, and discussions about security in the hemisphere, Canada has a real and positive influence on international peace and security," said Minister Graham. "This event provides a valuable opportunity to advance hemispheric security efforts, while also spreading democratic values." The conference, running from 16-21 November 2004, is a forum for Defence Ministers to discuss defence and security issues affecting nations in the Americas. Ultimately, this will contribute to the broader discussion of issues affecting the Americas: democracy, good governance, human rights, peace and security, trade, poverty, and sustainable development. -30- For more information, please contact: Isabelle Savard Communications Director Office of the Minister of National Defence (613) 996-3100 For more information about the CDMA visit: www.vicmdaecuador2004.org . For more information about Canada and the Americas visit: www.americascanada.gc.ca .
